Another year, another set of James Beard Award Nominees
Waxlight Bar a Vin and Southern Junction are nominated for the 2025 James Beard Awards
Last year, I wrote an article about Buffalo’s history with the James Beard Awards. Both Waxlight Bar a Vin (Outstanding Wine and Other Beverages Program) and Ryan Fernandez of Southern Junction (Emerging Chef) found themselves as Finalists for James Beard Awards. Last year was the first time a Buffalo Chef/Restaurant were a finalist for an award.
Well its another year and both institutions have found themselves as Semifinalists for the 2025 James Beard Awards.
Waxlight is again nominated for Outstanding Wine and Other Beverages Program in the country, this is the 3rd straight year that they’ve been named a semifinalist. Chef Ryan Fernandez of Southern Junction has been upgraded from last year’s Emerging Chef category to Best Chef In New York State.
If you’re like me and use these nominees to help find new and fun places to eat on travels, here’s some notable nominations that are not too far drive away. I also suggest checking out Christa Glennie’s article on Buffalo Spree Magazine regarding Michelin quality restaurants within a short drive.
Kate Lasky and Tomasz Skowronski, Apteka, Pittsburgh, PA (Best Chef Mid Atlantic)
Wei Zhu, Chengdu Gourmet, Pittsburgh, PA (Best Chef Mid Atlantic)
Alexandra La Valle, Larder, Cleveland, OH (Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker)
Vinnie Cimino, Cordelia, Cleveland, OH (Best Chef Great Lakes)
Jeremy Umansky, Larder, Cleveland, OH (Best Chef Great Lakes)
Fet-Fisk, Pittsburgh, PA (Best New Restaurant)
Christopher Bates, F.L.X. Table, Geneva, NY (Outstanding Professional in Beverage Service)
The finalists will be named on April 2nd and winners will be announced on June 16 at the James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards ceremony in Chicago.