Connecticut Chefs Shine at James Beard Awards

0:00It's April 1st. This is Hartford News today, AI-powered stories from your city. I'm Cory with the story. Connecticut's food scene is on fire with two chefs in one spot making the cut as finalists for the 2026 James Beard Awards, the top. Prize in the industry, like the Oscars for eating out. David Stanridge, from the Shipwrites' daughter in Mystic, earned a nod for outstanding chef, while David DeStassie and Materia Ristorante in Bontam, is up. For best chef in the Northeast region, meanwhile, the port of call in Mystic got tapped for its standout wine and beverage program. Leaders in the Connecticut Ristorante and Hospitality Association are hyped, calling these picks proof of the state's booming talent and creativity in kitchens and bars. It's a huge deal since these finalists rank in the top five of their categories. They all head to the big ceremony on June 15th in Chicago. Which knows the spotlight well, he snagged best chef Northeast last year.

1:00Connecticut's first win in 17 years after the state hit a record. Sixth semi-final is back in January. With Stanridge pushing sustainability through clever dishes, like his monkfish roll, that tastes just like lobster, but fresher and greener, these nods. Keep elevating Connecticut's plate nationwide.