The James Beard Awards is sticking around for seconds and thirds in Chicago.
The president of the prestigious food awards, known to some as "the Oscars of the food world," announced Thursday it plans to keep the James Beard Foundation Awards Ceremony and Gala Reception in the Windy City in 2016 and 2017.
This year's James Beard Awards takes place on May 4 at Lyric Opera of Chicago, the first time it's being held outside New York City.
“Chicago has a rich history with the Foundation, delivering restaurant and chef winners 23 out of 24 years with more than 40 James Beard Award winners to date," Mayor Rahm Emanuel said. "We are so proud to be welcoming this most prestigious of events for two more years.”
Several locals were announced this year as nominees in 59 categories, including Restaurant and Chef, Restaurant Design, and Book, Broadcast and Journalism.
Among the nominees for Best Chef in the Great Lakes were Curtis Duffy of Grace in Chicago, Paul Virant of Vie in Western Springs, Erling Wu-Bower of Nico Osteria in Chicago and Andrew Zimmerman of Sepia in Chicago.
Tanya Baker from Boarding House was also nominated for "Rising Star Chef of the Year."
Topolobampo in Chicago was listed among those in the “Oustanding Service” category, and Dana Cree from Blackbird was nominated in the “Outstanding Pastry Chef” category.
"The entire city of Chicago has proven to be a generous and creative partner in planning this year’s Awards," James Beard Foundation President Susan Ungaro said. "Returning for two more years is not only exciting, but offers continuity for even more opportunities for our Foundation’s most important event of the year.”
