NEW ORLEANS — Three 2024 James Beard Award contenders from New Orleans make it to the list of finalists. They are what is left of nine semifinalists representing New Orleans culinary culture.
The prestigious James Beard Award recognizes “exceptional talent and achievement” among restaurants and chefs in the culinary arts.
Three contenders from New Orleans have made it to the finals in three separate categories.
Best New Restaurant
Dakar NOLA, 3814 Magazine Street
Dakar NOLA opened in late 2022 as a pop-up and communal dinner under chef Serigne Mbaye then joined business partner Effie Richardson to open a permanent restaurant on Magazine Street. The menu features dishes inspired by Mbaye's roots in Senegal, West Africa.
Outstanding Bar
Jewel of the South, 1026 St. Louis Street
This up-scale French Quarter tavern serves up cocktails and British cooking. The restaurant, led by Chris Hannah formerly of Arnaud’s French 75 Bar, opened in 2019 in an 1830s townhouse and caters to locals and tourists alike.
Best Chef South
Arvinder Vilkhu, or Saffron, 4128 Magazine Street
Arvinder Vilkhu first started Saffron as a catering company but evolved it into an upscale restaurant serving up Indian-inspired New Orleans dishes.
The 2024 chef and restaurant awards winners will be named during a gala event in Chicago on June 10.
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