Immigrant chefs are dominating top culinary awards, including the James Beard Foundation Awards.
The big picture: Over half of the 75 finalists for the chef and baker awards are immigrants or children of immigrants from different parts of the world.
* This reflects a shift in the James Beard Awards, as well as a change in what chefs are cooking and diners’ preferences.
Change in awards: The James Beard Foundation canceled its 2020 annual awards due to COVID-19 and concerns about a lack of diversity among winners. When awards returned, the focus shifted to racial and gender equity and sustainability.
* Last year’s winners included Cristina Martinez, an undocumented immigrant, and Mashama Bailey for their work in Philadelphia and Savannah, Georgia, respectively.
Variety in location: Immigrant chefs are thriving not just in big cities, but also in smaller locations, with finalists including a Laotian restaurant in Oklahoma City, a Lebanese chef in Salt Lake City, and a Peruvian restaurant in West Hartford, Connecticut.
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