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SALT LAKE CITY — Utah historically hasn't been revered as a culinary hotbed, but the tides may be changing.
The James Beard Foundation on Wednesday announced that 11 Utah restaurants and chefs have been named semifinalists for prestigious awards.
Chefs at five Utah restaurants were named semifinalists for "best chef" in the mountain region; and four other establishments were named for their own respective award categories.
The full breakdown is as follows:
- Best Chef, Mountain Region: Paul Chamberlain and Logen Crew, SLC Eatery (Salt Lake City)
- Best Chef, Mountain Region: Andrew Fuller, Oquirrh (Salt Lake City)
- Best Chef, Mountain Region: Briar Handly, Handle (Park City)
- Best Chef, Mountain Region: Young-Ho Kang and Peter Kim, The Angry Korean (South Jordan)
- Best Chef, Mountain Region: Ali Sabbah, Mazza (Salt Lake City)
- Outstanding Restaurant: Hell's Backbone Grill and Farm (Boulder, Garfield County)
- Outstanding Bakery: Normal Ice Cream (Salt Lake City)
- Outstanding Hospitality: Manoli's (Salt Lake City)
- Outstanding Bar: Post Office Place (Salt Lake City)
The James Beard Foundation's Restaurant and Chef Awards — established in 1990 and first awarded in 1991 — celebrates and supports America's food culture, and is one of the preeminent advocates for high standards in dining.
In 2019, the foundation announced it had created new regions to showcase restaurants in lesser-known culinary areas in an effort to better highlight a growing culinary scene. Utah moved from the southwest region to the mountain region during the change, which freed it from competing with states like Arizona and Texas.
This year's nomination marks the sixth time that Hell's Backbone Grill and Farm has been recognized by the foundation.
"There's a culinary movement happening here in Utah," said Vicki Varela, managing director at the Utah Office of Tourism, in a statement. "We are thrilled to see these talented Utah restaurants and bars recognized for their creativity and their commitment to outstanding food and drink."
Nominees will be announced on Wednesday, March 29, and winners will be celebrated at the James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards Ceremony on Monday, June 5, at the Lyric Opera of Chicago.
