The James Beard Awards have recognized two Orlando restaurants by advancing them to the Finals, and we may actually win something this year.
The James Beard Foundation (Website) hosts the awards each year to recognize talent and achievement in the culinary arts, hospitality, media, and food system across the country.
An Orlando-based restaurant has never walked away with an award, and we’ve only made it to the finals once in 2023 (Henry Moso for Best Chef), and last year (Kaya for Best New Restaurant), so it’s a big deal to see two place in one year.
Jason and Sue Chin of Good Salt Restaurant Group (Website) are finalists for the Outstanding Restaurateur category, and Omo by Jont (Website), Chef Ryan Ratino’s chef’s table in Winter Park, is in the finals for Best New Restaurant.
“What an amazing full circle moment for myself and the Omo by Jont and Hive Hospitality teams,” said Chef Ryan Ratino, via a prepared statement. “My 20-year-old self eating at Luma, wanting to do it on Park Ave one day, would have never dreamed of this! Very happy to be a part of the Orlando dining community and what’s to come!”
Winners will be announced on June 16 at a fancy party in Chicago.
