Anchorage Bakeries, Restaurant Shine in James Beard Awards

0:00It's April 1st. This is Anchorage News Today, AI-powered stories from your city. I'm Cory with the story. Anchorage just scored big in the James Beard Awards with two local spots hitting final of status. Fire Island Rustic Bake Shop made the cut for outstanding bakery, joining four other top American bakeries. And Chef Nathan Bentley of Altura Bistro landed in the best chef Northwest and Pacific category. This first finals, after three semifinal runs. Fire Island kicked off in 2009, famous for rustic scones, loaves and community vibes, like weekly jazz nights. They sourced local produce and just remodeled their airport height spot. Bentley opened Altura in 2019, focusing on elevated comfort food with sustainable Alaskan ingredients plus takeout lunches. Staff and chefs could not hide their shock and pride when the news dropped Tuesday morning. Bakery manager Harrison Shive double checked the list to make sure it was real, calling

1:00it icing on the cake. Bentley, fresh off his 35th birthday, said it proves their steady style is spot on. These nods put Alaskan's food scene on the national map alongside Portland and Seattle finalists. Earlier this year, spots like Whiskey and Ramen and Tucka Bay Lodge hit semifinals. And last year, Lucky Wishbone grabbed America's Classics. Fire Island had a Baker semifinalist back in 2017. Winners get revealed June 16th at the Lyric Opera of Chicago, so anchorages are locked on that stage, hyped to see if these spots take it. Come and boost the local culinary game even higher.