Sherman Oaks Chef Named James Beard Finalist For Best In California

SHERMAN OAKS, CA — The culinary scene in Southern California is well-represented in the 2023 Restaurant and Chef Awards nominees announced Wednesday by the James Beard Foundation.

One San Fernando Valley chef, however, received one of the top honors as a finalist for category honoring the best chefs in the state. Justin Pichetrungsi of Anajak Thai in Sherman Oaks is a finalist among a small handful of chefs named among the best in all of California.

The finalists include:

Best Chefs: California

Chefs who set high standards in their culinary skills and leadership abilities, and who are making efforts to help create a sustainable work culture in their respective regions, while contributing positively to their broader community.

• Gilberto Cetina Jr., Holbox, Historic South Central, Los Angeles
• Kyle and Katina Connaughton, SingleThread, Healdsburg, CA
• Brandon Hayato Go, Hayato, Downtown, Los Angeles, CA
• Justin Pichetrungsi, Anajak Thai, Sherman Oaks, CA
• Carlos Salgado, Taco María, Costa Mesa, CA

Outstanding Chef

A chef who sets high culinary standards and has served as a positive example for other food
professionals, while contributing positively to their broader community.

• Niki Nakayama, n/naka, Los Angeles, CA

Outstanding Restaurateur

A restaurateur who uses their establishments as a vehicle for building community, demonstrates
creativity in entrepreneurship and integrity in restaurant operations, and is making efforts to create a sustainable work culture, while contributing positively to their broader community.

• Greg Dulan, Dulan’s Soul Food Kitchen in Inglewood , Dulan's on Crenshaw in Windsor Hills, Los Angeles

Emerging Chef

A chef who displays exceptional talent, character, and leadership ability, and who is likely to make a significant impact in years to come, while contributing positively to their broader community.

• Rashida Holmes, Bridgetown Roti, Downtown/Arts District Los Angeles

Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker

This category recognizes a pastry chef or baker who makes desserts, pastries, or breads. Candidate demonstrates exceptional skills and can be affiliated with any food business and does not need a brick-and-mortar presence. Candidate contributes positively to their broader community.

• Margarita Manzke, République, Mid-City Los Angeles, CA

Outstanding Wine and Other Beverages Program

Expanded from Outstanding Wine Program this year to include other beverages, this award is presented to a restaurant that demonstrates exceptional care and skill in the pairing of wine and other beverages with food, while contributing positively to its broader community. This includes the selection, preparation, and serving of wine, cocktails, spirits, coffee, tea, beer or any other beverage with outstanding hospitality and service that help inform and enhance a customer’s appreciation of the beverage(s). Ethical sourcing will also be considered.

• OTOTO, Echo Park, Los Angeles

“I am honored to participate in these Awards that recognize our country’s extraordinary talent and showcase all those contributing to the richness and diversity of American food culture today,” said Adrian Miller, Restaurant and Chef Awards Committee Chair. “Congratulations to all of this year’s Restaurant and Chef Nominees.”

The James Beard Awards, first presented in 1991, recognize exceptional talent in the culinary and food media industries and are often regarded as the “Oscars of culinary arts.” They recognize a range of experiences, from fine-dining restaurants to casual gems, in 23 categories.

Winners will be announced June 5 in a ceremony at the Lyric Opera of Chicago.