Boerum, Cobble Hill Restaurants Only James Beard Finalists In BK

COBBLE HILL, BROOKLYN — Now could be your chance to sample the best the culinary world has to offer across the country — in your own backyard. Three neighborhood spots in Cobble Hill and Boerum Hill were the only eateries in Brooklyn to make it onto the list of finals for the prestigious James Beard award, a nationwide search for the best in food.

Known for his French breads, pastries and other treats at Bien Cuit at 120 Smith Street, Zachary Golper is one of five to be named a finalist in the Outstanding Baker category.

And, just a few blocks away, stand La Vara and Saint Julivert Fisherie, two restaurants owned by Alex Raij and Eder Montero, who have made it onto the Outstanding Restaurateur finalist list. The restaurants are found just a short walk away from each other on Clinton Street and are one of several Raij and Montero own in the city.

To top it off, both neighborhood finalists aren't just the only ones in Brooklyn to make the prestigious list, but the only New York City nominees to reach the finals in their categories.

A host of other NYC spots did make the finals for other categories, though. A full list can be found here.

For the honor of the James Beard Award's best restaurant, referred to as the Oscars of the culinary world, two New York City eateries have made the list.

Upscale Korean spot Atomix, on E. 30th St., and Frenchette, a bistro on Broadway in Tribeca, are among five finalists from across the U.S.A. seeking the crown, which seeks to recognize a place that opened in 2018.

Finalists were announced by chef Hugo Ortega in Houston during a ceremony at his namesake Mexican restaurant, Hugo's.

The awards will be presented on May 6 at the Lyric Opera in Chicago.

The awards, which "recognize culinary professionals for excellence and achievement in their fields" were established in 1990. According to the foundation, each award category has an individual committee made up of industry professionals.

Each committee oversees "the policies, procedures, and selection of judges for their respective awards programs," the foundation says.

Winners receive a certificate and medallion engraved with the foundation's insignia.

You can see the full list of nominees here.

Beth Dalbey contributed to this report.