2 Birmingham chefs named 2024 James Beard Awards semifinalists

Two popular Birmingham chefs were named James Beard semifinalists today.

Described as the “Oscars” of the food 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.”

And the nominees are…

Who made this year’s list?

• Chanah Willis, owner and chef at Last Call Baking —  Emerging Chef 
• Rob McDaniel, owner and chef at Helen  — Best Chef in the South

About the Semifinalists

Bham Now is very familiar with this year’s honorees. Both Last Call Baking and Helen are only a few blocks from our downtown Morris Avenue office.

We were able to catch up with James Beard semifinalist Chanah Willis to ask them to describe how they felt earning the emerging chef recognition.

“Super elated, surprised, freaked out, and honored to even be considered. I wake up every morning to cover myself in flour and bake bread because I can’t imagine doing anything else. This nomination definitely reinforces that obsession, and I can’t be more thankful.”

Chanah Willis, owner and chef at Last Call Baking

Rob McDaniel is no stranger to James Beard Awards. Before he and his wife Emily opened Helen, McDaniel was named a JB Best Chef semifinalist from 2013-2017 for his work at the SpringHouse restaurant on Lake Martin.

“I’m humbled and honored to have been nominated for Best Chef: South by the James Beard Foundation.  This acknowledged wouldn’t be possible without the hard work of our dedicated staff, all of them. I represent one of the best and hardest working teams that I’ve ever had the opportunity to work with.  For all this Glory be to God!”

Rob McDaniel, owner and chef at Helen

Past Birmingham James Beard winners

Birmingham is home to a number of James Beard winners. Here is the latest list.

• Adam Evans, Automatic Seafood – 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)

Finalists for the 2024  awards will be announced on April 3rd and the winners will be celebrated at the James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards Ceremony on June 10th.

Good luck to Chefs Willis and McDaniel! In the meantime, pay them a visit in downtown Birmingham and see firsthand why this national honor is well deserved.

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