We’re just a few days away from the 2023 James Beard Awards presented by Capital One! We reached out to nominees for Outstanding Hospitality presented by American Airlines to hear about their go-to destinations when returning home from a trip, and what they’re most looking forward to at this year’s Awards.
This category honors restaurants, bars, or other food and drinking establishments that foster a sense of hospitality among its customers and staff that serves as a beacon for the community and demonstrates consistent excellence in food, atmosphere, hospitality, and operations while contributing to its broader community.
Read on to get to know this year’s Outstanding Hospitality presented by American Airlines nominees and tune in to the Restaurant and Chef Awards streamed live on Eater at 5:30 P.M. CT on Monday, June 5!
Where is the first place you stop by when you land in your city?
The Black Cypress, Pullman, WA
Etsi Bravo to have a drink with Cory. - The Black Cypress team
Bottega, Birmingham, AL
Our first stop when we return to Birmingham is our home about 15 minutes from the airport, and then to the restaurants: Bottega, Bottega Café, Chez Fonfon, and Highlands. - Bottega team
Lula Drake, Columbia, SC
The Soda City Market on Saturdays is incredible. The city shuts down Main Street and it becomes a wonderful walkable sampling of the best Columbia has to offer. Awesome food trucks, pop-ups, farmers’ market, art, etc. Then head to the Saluda Riverwalk for a stroll alongside our beautiful river in the middle of downtown. - Abby, Lula Drake team
First stop is always at Drip Coffee in Five Points for a perfectly made coffee beverage. Then head next door to Sid & Nancy or Revente to sift through some awesome gently used articles and accessories. - Erin, Lula Drake team
Any of our local breweries are awesome places to relax and sip on local craft beers. Try River Rat Brewery, Columbia Craft, Hunter Gatherer at Owens Field, and Steel Hands. - Melissa, Lula Drake team
The War Mouth restaurant for incredible Southern cuisine. Goat’s, a landmark cocktail bar in Five Points. Hampton Street Vineyard for fine French dining. Bourbon on Main for their unbelievable whiskey selection. Pitas and Real Mexico for lunch. - Tim Gardner, Lula Drake Proprietor and Head Sommelier
The Quarry, Monson, ME
The first place we used to stop was our family-owned Tenney Hill Farm in Monson, Maine. We now stop by Simonita’s Farm and Nursery nearby. - The Quarry team
Sepia, Chicago, IL
The first place I visit when I fly back home to Chicago is our local grocery co-op Sugar Beet. It is a Community Owned Grocery Cooperative in Oak Park, Illinois that offers our neighborhood a source for local, sustainable, healthy foods and a way of connecting farmers and producers to their customers. Their mission and the quality of their product is really good! - Emmanuel Nony, Managing Partner of Sepia
What are you most excited about during this year’s JBF Awards?
The Black Cypress
First and foremost, we are thrilled just to be nominated and recognized in such a notable way and through a highly recognized organization. Also, we are excited to be surrounded by so many innovators and leaders within this industry to learn from, be inspired by, and to connect with. We are eager to bring a spotlight and visibility to our little region of the country in the Inland Pacific Northwest. There is such magic in the Palouse, great and kind people, and the food and beverage scene reflects the passion and commitment of so many. Also, we’re excited to party! Woo! - The Black Cypress team
Bottega
We’re most excited to share the experience of being at the Beard Awards with our Bottega team this year and celebrate with all of the other nominees. - Bottega team
Lula Drake
I’m so happy and honored to be able to share this experience with the amazing Lula Drake crew. The reason we are in the JBF conversation is because of them and how deeply committed they are to creating a special place for our community. I’m looking forward to this being a celebration of what we love to do, as well as an opportunity to learn from the best in the country. I’m also excited to share this with my life partner Lorie, who has supported me in the pursuit of my dream of being a sommelier and restaurateur. - Tim Gardner, Lula Drake Proprietor and Head Sommelier
I’m excited about eating the food in Chicago! Lots and lots and lots of FOOD! - Bailey, Lula Drake team
I’m most excited to be around so many others who appreciate and have the same passion for what we do. - Ashley, Lula Drake team
Getting to be around so many influential people from all across the industry while visiting one of my favorite cities. - Oliver, Lula Drake team
The Quarry
We are most excited to meet other chefs at the James Beard Awards, and of course the food and wine. - The Quarry team
Sepia
We're so excited to celebrate such incredible talent from all around the country. It always feels so special to honor the industry's experts behind some of our favorite restaurants, and also see some new fresh faces! We couldn't be more excited to celebrate the hard work our team and so many others put into our craft. - Sepia team
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The James Beard Restaurant & Chef Awards, presented by Capital One, will be livestreamed on Eater beginning at 5:30 P.M. CT on Monday, June 5. Visit our Awards page for more details on how to watch the ceremonies online or join us in person!
Click the links below to follow along our 2023 nominee spotlight campaign and hear reflections from nominees in other categories on their signature dishes and drinks, philosophies in the kitchen, and the dishes they are most proud of!
> Outstanding Bar presented by Hilton
> Outstanding Restaurant presented by Acqua Panna® Natural Spring Water
> Emerging Chef presented by S.Pellegrino® Sparkling Mineral Water
> Outstanding Bakery presented by Guinness
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Yasmin Hariri is branded content manager at the James Beard Foundation.
