A record seven nominees for 2024’s James Beard Awards are based in and around KC
2024 James Beard Awards // Image provided by James Beard Foundation
The James Beard Awards recently announced this year’s semi-finalists and this year is an impressive win for the Kansas City metro area. A record number of seven semi-finalists were announced this year.
With the increase in national attention on Kansas City thanks to the Chiefs, rumors of Rhianna and A$AP Rocky’s recent Ward Parkway mansion purchase, and Miss Taylor’s frequent visits, it’s about time that our culinary arts started receiving the attention that it so rightfully deserves.
The James Beard Foundation recognizes the best of the best in the culinary arts. Awards range in category from Emerging Chef, to Best New Restaurant. “The awards recognize exceptional talent and achievement in the culinary arts, hospitality, media, and broader food system, as well as a demonstrated commitment to racial and gender equity, community, sustainability, and a culture where all can thrive.”
Without further ado, our beloved semi-finalists this year are:
The Campground of Kansas City // Photo courtesy of The Campground
Emerging Chef – Jeff Workman of The Campground
The Campground is a cocktail bar and restaurant located in the Stockyard District of Kansas City. They specialize in locally sourced foods, with an emphasis on hunted, fished, or foraged ingredients.
Outstanding Wine and Other Beverages Program – Affäre
Owned by Martin and Katrin Heuser, Affäre is a modern German-style, farm-to-table establishment. Their menu changes seasonally, ensuring the sophisticated and “homey” feel that is so important to Affäre.
Outstanding Bar – Drastic Measures
Drastic Measures is a cocktail-only bar that made it on the semi-finalist list in 2023 as well. They focus on having an eclectic menu, upbeat music, and modern decor, but the Shawnee bar’s focus on philanthropy garners equal attention in the community.
Rozz Petrozz of Saltwell Farms // Photo courtesy of Steph Castor
Best Chefs by Region – Johnny Leach of The Town Company, Katie Liu-Sung of Chewology, Romain Monnoyeur of Westport Cafe, Rozz Petrozz of Saltwell Farm Kitchen.
The Town Company is located in downtown Kansas City, Missouri inside Hotel Kansas City. It is run by Executive Chef Johnny Leach and Executive Pastry Chef Helen Jo Leach. They aim to redefine the concept of a midwestern table with a menu that rotates seasonally.
Chewology is “a contemporary Taiwanese eatery in the heart of Kansas City’s Westport neighborhood.” They work with local vendors and focus on the dish fondest in Katie’s childhood memory, gyoza.
Westport Cafe is a bit of a jack of all trades. They offer an event space, bar catering, consulting, and a French-inspired restaurant and bar menu. Romain comes to Kansas City from Lyon, France, where he studied the culinary arts.
Rozz Petrozz of Saltwell Farm Kitchen shares close ties with members of The Pitch community. Saltwell Farm Kitchen is an event, as well as a dining experience. A five-course, three to four hour meal is curated by chef Rozz Petrozz and is inspired by local ingredients and the changing of the seasons.
