FOUR Filipino chefs are among the experts who have been nominated for the 2023 James Beard Awards, which seek to recognize exceptional talent and achievement in the culinary arts, as well as commitment to social justice causes.

One of the nominees is celebrity chef and Filipino-French content creator Erwan Heussaff, whose Instagram account was shortlisted for the Social Media Account category.

The category  “recognizes excellence in a single food-related post, or compilation of up to three posts.”

Heussaff, who often posts about Filipino cuisine, will be up against other chefs including Andrew Huang, Ewa Huang, and Jeromy Ko of Nom Life, and Kalamatas Kitchen.

Meanwhile, Filipino-American chef Aaron Verzosa was nominated for Best Chef in the Northwest and Pacific category under the Restaurant and Chef award division.

Versoza’s restaurant in Seattle, Archipelago, offers “Pacific Northwest cuisine through progressive Filipino American flavors.” 

California-based chefs Vince Bugtong of ABACÁ and Margarita Manzke of République will be competing against each other for the Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker under the same division.

ABACÁ is a family owned Filipino-Californian restaurant that highlights Philippine culture and cuisine. Aside from offering savory dishes, it has a panaderia or bakery.

République, on the other hand, has a casual bakery and cafe, and serves a French-inspired menu.  

The awards 

Established in 1990, the James Beard Awards is often termed as the Oscars of the culinary scene.

Aside from seeking to honor exceptional talent and achievement, it also seeks to recognize “a demonstrated commitment to racial and gender equity, community, sustainability, and a culture where all can thrive.”

It has five recognition programs and two achievement awards. These are Media Awards, which include: Book, Broadcast Media, Journalism; Restaurant and Chef Awards, Leadership Awards, Lifetime Achievement, and Humanitarian of the Year Awards.

The awarding ceremony will take place from June 3 to 5, 2023