Bottega misses out on James Beard Outstanding Hospitality Award

First-time nominee Bottega Restaurant did not win the James Beard Foundation Award for Outstanding Hospitality tonight in Chicago, but they’re taking it all in stride with grace and class.

“We are honored Bottega was one of five restaurants nominated for Outstanding Hospitality at the Beard Awards this evening. The team will continue to welcome guests with grace, sincerity and knowledge and share our love of food and wine.”

Pardis Stitt, co-owner of Bottega said in a statement to Bham Now

What is the James Beard Awards?

Called the Oscars of the culinary world, the James Beard Awards were established in 1990 by the James Beard Foundation to “recognize culinary professionals for excellence and achievement in their fields and furthers the foundation’s mission to celebrate, nurture and honor chefs and other leaders making America’s food culture more delicious, diverse and sustainable for everyone.” 

The Quarry, a restaurant from the small town of Monson, Maine (population 670, according to the owner of the restaurant!) took home the 2023 hospitality award.

Birmingham’s Rich Culinary History

Despite missing out on the award tonight, Birmingham restaurants, chefs and Pardis and Frank Stitt have been honored multiple times by the James Beard Foundation. Here is a list of our local award winners:

• Adam Evans, Automatic Seafood & Oysters —Best Chef: South (2022)

• Highlands Bar & Grill—Outstanding Restaurant (2018)
• Dolester Miles, Highlands Bar & Grill—Outstanding Pastry Chef (2018)
• Hot and Hot Fish Club, Chef Chris Hastings— Best Chef: South (2012) 
• Bright Star in Bessemer — American Classic (2010)
• Highlands Bar & Grill, Chef Frank Stitt—Best Chef: Southeast (2001)

In 2024, is there a chef or restaurant in Birmingham primed to win a James Beard Award? Tell us on social media who you like by tagging us @bhamnow