Industry leaders from across the country attended the highly anticipated James Beard Awards ceremony and gala, whose theme this year was “Rise,” celebrating the collective spirit of the culinary community and the power of food. In keeping with the theme, the nearly 30 gala reception chefs consisted mostly of former James Beard Foundation Chefs Boot Camp for Policy and Change participants. Their thoughtful dishes fed the nearly 2,000 attendees at this year’s Awards gala. For more information, please visit jamesbeard.org.
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Master of Ceremonies Carla Hall, co-host of ABC’s The Chew
Photo: Kent Miller Studios -
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Thank you to Proud Awards Hosts Choose Chicago and Illinois Restaurant Association for their continued support! From left: David Whitaker, President & CEO, Choose Chicago; Clare Reichenbach, CEO, James Beard Foundation; Sam Toia, President & CEO Illinois Restaurant Association; TBD
Photo: Kent Miller Studios -
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Clare Reichenbach, James Beard Foundation CEO, and Master of Ceremonies Carla Hall, co-host of ABC’s The Chew
Photo: Kent Miller Studios -
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JBF Award winner Rick Bayless of Frontera Grill who led the VIP Experience with the help of chefs Rishi Kumar and Andres Padilla
Photo: Eliesa Johnson Photography -
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Premier Sponsor Woodford Reserve Bourbon’s Master Distiller, Chris Morris with guests at the VIP Experience
Photo: Marc Fiorito/Gamma Nine Photography -
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The James Beard Awards wouldn’t be complete without the hard work of the Gala Reception chefs and culinary volunteers from Gala Reception Sponsor Kendall College
Photo: Eliesa Johnson Photography -
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Winners accepted their James Beard Awards in front of a packed house
Photo: Marc Fiorito/Gamma Nine Photography -
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Mayor Rahm Emanuel welcomes the crowd to Chicago for the 2018 James Beard Awards
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The James Beard Award for Outstanding Pastry Chef, presented by Premier Sponsor Lavazza, went to Dolester Miles of Highlands Bar & Grill in Birmingham, Alabama
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Nina Compton accepts her James Beard Award for Best Chef: South
Photo: Marc Fiorito/Gamma Nine Photography -
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Presenters Amanda Freitag (left) and Alex Guarnaschelli congratulate Edouardo Jordan on his win for Best Chef: Northwest
Photo: Galdones Photography -
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Best Chef: West winner Dominique Crenn of Atelier Crenn dances with excitement
Photo: Marc Fiorito/Gamma Nine Photography -
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Food Network star Marcela Valladolid (left) and Zooey Deschanel, actress/co-founder of “The Farm Project”, embrace Best Chef: West winner Dominique Crenn after her big win
Photo: Galdones Photography -
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Andrew Zimmern congratulates Chef Gavin Kaysen on his win for Best Chef: Midwest
Photo: Eliesa Johnson Photography -
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2018 Humanitarian of the Year José Andrés
Photo: Galdones Photography -
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Gabrielle Hamilton proudly shows off her medal for Outstanding Chef, presented by Premier Sponsor All-Clad Metalcrafters
Photo: Galdones Photography -
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Chef Erika Dupree Cline and her team from Bleu Chocolate serve up Grilled Cheese-Valrhona Chocolate Sandwiches
Photo: Kent Miller Studios -
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Premier Awards Sponsor American Airlines congratulates Best Chef: Northwest winner Edouardo Jordan
Photo: Kent Miller Studios -
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Rodney Scott of Rodney Scott’s BBQ in Charleston takes home the James Beard Award for Best Chef: Southeast
Photo: Marc Fiorito/Gamma Nine Photography -
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Chicago’s own Abraham Conlon wins the James Beard Award for Best Chef: Great Lakes
Photo: Marc Fiorito/Gamma Nine Photography -
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Alexandra Clark’s Impassioned Bon Bon Bon Chocolate with Valrhona Passion Fruit Inspiration and Edible Flowers, presented by Valrhona
Photo: Marc Fiorito/Gamma Nine Photography -
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Asparagus-Spelt Tart with Candied Pistachios and Rhubarb created by Chef Jamilka Borges of The Independent in Pittsburgh
Photo: Eliesa Johnson Photography -
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JBF Award winner Sarah Grueneberg’s Caviar-Spaghetti Shooter
Photo: Eliesa Johnson Photography -
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The beautiful Lyric Opera of Chicago was filled to the brim with excited guests during the walk-around tasting reception
Photo: Eliesa Johnson Photography -
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Smoked Trout with Dandelion Greens, Sour Leeks and Trout Roe Vinaigrette created by JBF Award winner Tim Byres of Smoke
Photo: Eliesa Johnson Photography