Despite Strong Showing in Semis, Cleveland Shut Out of Beard Awards

Chef Doug Katz Credit: Tiffany Joy Photography

Today, the James Beard Foundation announced its list of finalists for the 2025 Restaurant and Chef Awards. The so-called “short list” — which was trimmed down from a longer list of semifinalists announced on January 22 — includes both national and regional categories. Sadly, no Cleveland chefs are on that list.

Douglas Katz of Edgewater Hospitality was a semifinalist in the Outstanding Restaurateur category, Alexandra La Valle of Larder Delicatessen and Bakery was a semifinalist in the Outstanding Pastry Chef/Baker category, Vinnie Cimino of Cordelia and Jeremy Umansky of Larder Delicatessen and Bakery were both semifinalists in the Best Chef: Great Lakes category.

In brighter news, Brandon Chrostowski, founder and CEO of EDWINS Leadership & Restaurant Institute, will receive a 2025 James Beard Foundation Impact Award, a recognition of his efforts to create a more equitable and inclusive culinary landscape.

“This award is a recognition not only of the work we do at EDWINS but also of the power of belief—that everyone, no matter their past, deserves dignity, opportunity, and a seat at the table,” says Chrostowski. “In my opinion, one of the key benefits of receiving the award is the very large key it presents to open more doors for advancement in the industry. I’m happy to bring this home to Cleveland and will be rooting for all of the chefs who are nominated for an award this year.”

The winners will be announced at the James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards Ceremony on June 16 at the Lyric Opera of Chicago.

Cleveland has not had a James Beard Award winner in the Restaurant and Chef categories since Jonathon Sawyer in 2015. In 2009, Michael Symon became the first Cleveland chef to snag a James Beard Award. In 2022, Jeremy Umansky won in the media category for the book “Koji Alchemy: Rediscovering the Magic of Mold-Based Fermentation,” which he co-authored with Rick Shih.