Today in Chicago would have been the awards ceremony for the annual James Beard Awards. But due to COVID-19, the James Beard Foundation rescheduled the awards for this September. However, they decided to announce the finalists for the restaurant and chef awards via Twitter and one finalist is from Milwaukee.
In the category for Outstanding Restauranteur, Paul Bartolotta of The Bartolotta Restaurants is one of the five finalists. Bartolotta restaurants include Lake Park Bistro, Bacchus, Downtown Kitchen, Harbor House, Mr. B's, Rumpus Room and others. The other finalists include:
- Jamie Bissonnette and Ken Oringer: JK Food Group | Boston (Little Donkey | Toro | Coppa)
- JoAnn Clevenger: Upperline Restaurant | New Orleans
- Alex Raij and Eder Montero | NYC (La Vara | Saint Julivert Fisherie | Txikito)
- Jason Wang: Xi'an Famous Foods | NYC
Paul's brother was Joe Bartolotta, who unfortunately passed away last year. You can check out This Bites special tribute to Joe Bartolotta.
Congratulations to Paul and the entire staff of The Bartolotta Restaurants.
The winners for the James Beard Chef and Restaurant Awards will be announced on September 25 in Chicago. Check out the full list of finalist on the James Beard Foundation website.
