Kansas City Chefs Earn James Beard Nods

0:00It's March 27. Kansas News Today starts now. AI powered and ready. I'm Cory with the story. A husband and wife chef team in Kansas City just earned huge recognition in the food world. Johnny Leach and Helen Jo Leach run. The town company Inside Hotel Kansas City. Both are semi-finalists for the 2026 James Beard Awards. Johnny's up for best chef in the Midwest, while Helen Jo's nominated for outstanding pastry chef or baker. It's a big deal since they're in separate categories and could both advance. They met years ago in New York City kitchens where Johnny was starting out as a chef and Helen Jo honed her pastry skills after growing up helping out her family's Korean market in Chicago. Johnny wasn't always into food. He was a picky eater turned culinary school grad from Portland. Together they built their careers in top spots before teaming up fully. The couples thrilled but staying humble about the nods. Helen Jo was a semi-finalist last year and this March Johnny's fourth straight time.

1:00They see it as a team win. Most like how they run their restaurant was shared passion and support from each other. The town company focuses on seasonal dishes from local farmers cooked over Missouri white oak flames. Standouts include smoked pork chop, beef tartare, and Helen Jo's black sesame almond cake. They moved to Kansas City a few years back, drawn by its growth potential after visiting and feeling an instant connection. Now settled with their 11-year-old daughter, the leeches keep cooking simple joys at home while pushing boundaries at the restaurant. With more accolades possibly coming in June, they're excited to grow alongside the city they call home.