Birmingham's Culinary Stars Shine at James Beard Awards

0:00Birmingham's food scene is lighting up the national stage with five James Beard awards semi-finalists this year. They include Rob McDaniel of Bayonet for Outstanding Chef, Kristen Hall of LaFette for Best Chef in the South, Jury Martha and Ryan O'Hara of Pizza, Grace in the same category, Eric Bennett of Continental Drift for Toccoctail Service, and Botega for Outstanding Hospitality. At Botega, husband and wife team Frank and part is set the tone with their warm hug approach to welcoming guests. Frank, a kitchen legend who also runs Highlands Bar and Grill, and Shea Foam Foam gives full credits to Partis for managing the front of the house and nailing every detail from silverware placement to lifting diner spirits. Partis never planned a restaurant career, but filling in as a host one night hooked her instantly. The couple points to Birmingham locals who've backed their spots for decades, like Highlands since 1982, creating generations of fans, even before tourism took off.

1:03The city's culinary rise ties to easy access to farmers markets, such as Pepper Place, Fresh Golf Seafood, and a wave of young talent bringing new. Flavors from Mexican and Central American influences. Finalists get named Tuesday, with winners announced June 15, so Birmingham's magic in the kitchen could claim even bigger wins soon. You've been listening to Birmingham News today, AI-powered local news.