The James Beard Awards took place on Monday night in Chicago, honoring outstanding talent in the restaurant industry. This year marked the continuation of these annual awards since 1991, with a ceremony that blended politics and pride in local achievements.

Among the most celebrated were the Philadelphia restaurant Kalaya, which received the outstanding restaurant award, and Michael Tusk, recognized as the outstanding chef. Michael, alongside his wife Lindsay, co-owns Quince and Cotogna in San Francisco. Dana Street, part of a Portland, Maine, restaurant group including Fore Street and Scales, was honored as outstanding restaurateur. In addition, Lei in Manhattan’s Chinatown earned the title of best new restaurant.

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, campaigning for a third term, addressed the attendees, commending the nominees and highlighting the Chicago restaurant Smyth, recently named best restaurant in North America by the World’s 50 Best organization. He emphasized the significance of the state’s immigrant communities, mentioning his Ukrainian heritage and related recipes. Pritzker’s comments about the pressures faced by these communities under the current U.S. administration were met with applause. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson also attended, reinforcing the city’s resilience against authoritarianism.

Adrian Torres, celebrated as the best emerging chef for his innovative Mexican American dishes at Maximo in Houston, expressed pride in his immigrant background and his status as a DACA recipient. He conveyed his gratitude in Spanish, acknowledging his roots.