3 Seattle Chefs Are 2019 James Beard Finalists

SEATTLE, WA - Three of Seattle's top chefs in Seattle have been named among the 2019 James Beard award finalists.

The James Beard Foundation has announced the 2019 finalists on Wednesday morning. Chefs Rachel Yang and Seif Chirchi, founders of Joule in Fremont, are up for best chef in the Pacific Northwest. Canlis is up for outstanding service, and Canlis chef Brady Williams is also up for best chef in the Pacific Northwest.

In the journalism category, Seattle-based writer Geraldine DeRuiter was nominated for a James Beard for a piece she wrote called "I Made the Pizza Cinnamon Rolls from Mario Batali’s Sexual Misconduct Apology Letter."

Finalists were announced by chef Hugo Ortega in Houston during a ceremony at his namesake Mexican restaurant, Hugo’s. The nominees are for James Beard awards in restaurant and chef, media and restaurant design categories.

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

The foundation said that 2019’s theme is “Good Food For Good,” which is synonymous with its mission.

“It is the simple summation of what the organization stands for, from unique and delicious dining experiences at the James Beard House and around the country, to scholarships, mentorships, and a variety of industry programs that educate and empower leaders in the food community,” the foundation said in a press release.

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.

Patch editor Beth Dalbey contributed to this report

Correction: An earlier version of this story mistakenly did not include Brady Williams among the 2019 James Beard nominees.