Roll out the red carpet, food lovers (and watch the crumbs). Semifinalists are announced for the 2025 James Beard Awards — one of the culinary world’s most prestigious prizes — and eight KC-area spots made the cut.
This year’s selection
JJ’s Restaurant | Outstanding Wine and Other Beverages Program | Now under new ownership, the longtime West Plaza restaurant has recently expanded its award-winning wine list.
Helen Jo Leach, The Town Company | Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker | Leader of the upscale establishment’s dessert program and lobby café, it’s the chef’s first James Beard nomination.
Johnny Leach, The Town Company | Best Chef (Midwest) | Repeat nominee Leach has lit a fire on KC’s food scene thanks to the updated Midwestern cuisine emerging from the restaurant’s white oak burning hearth.
Katie Liu-Sung, Chewology | Best Chef (Midwest) | The contemporary Taiwanese eatery has earned regional acclaim for Liu-Sung’s handcrafted gyoza using local + sustainable farm products.
Linda Duerr, The Restaurant at 1900 | Best Chef (Midwest) | Step inside the architectural wonder for the executive chef’s outstanding American fare with French and Italian influences.
Jay Sanders, Wild Child | New Outstanding Professional (Cocktail Service) | At this Shawnee bar, its non-alcoholic selection is anything but an afterthought — even earning it recent nods from Punch Drink and Bon Appétit.
Past winners + nominees to visit
Yoli Tortilleria | This starchy paradise, specializing in artisan stone ground torillas, took home the highest honors with 2023’s Outstanding Bakery award.
Michael Corvino, Corvino Supper Club & Tasting Room | Previously nominated for Best Chef (Midwest), this Washington native has staked his claim in the Heartland’s food scene with the creation of Corvino in 2018.
Nick Goellner, The Antler Room | Another award season, another nomination for this three-time Best Chef: Midwest nominee who specializes in adventurous seasonal flavors.
Pam Liberda, Waldo Thai | Authentic Thai food + Kansas City = a match made in heaven, thanks to the previous Best Chef (Midwest) nominee Liberda, who will soon be bringing homestyle dishes to KC Current matches.
Drastic Measures | Still serving the best in out-there cocktails, this 2023 + 2024 nominee specializes in the adventurous but unpretentious — like the Thots N’ Prayers, a curry infused mezcal, cacao, mango + lime creation.
Affäre | Perfect pairing is no joke at this upscale German eatery with a focus on seasonal selections, previously nominated for its outstanding wine and beverage program.
Romain Monnoyeur, Westport Cafe | This bistro + cocktail bar introduces local eaters to a French palate with Monnoyeur’s elevated European plates.
Who’s going next?
Now we want to hear about your tastes. Are there restaurants or local chefs you think deserve some more love? Send us an email and let us know about the unrecognized award-worthy meals.
