NEW ORLEANS – Local Chef Alon Shaya, who helms Italian restaurant Domenica inside The Roosevelt Hotel, 123 Baronne St., was awarded the “Best Chef: South” distinction at last night’s 2015 James Beard Awards ceremony and black-tie gala reception in Chicgao.
The James Beard Awards are the highest honor for food and beverage professionals in America. Known as the Oscars of the food world, the James Beard Awards cover all aspects of the industry: chefs and restaurateurs, cookbook authors and food journalists, restaurant designers and architects, and more.
Established in 1990, the James Beard Foundation Awards recognize culinary professionals for excellence and achievement in their fields, and emphasize the Foundation’s mission to celebrate, nurture and honor America's diverse culinary heritage through programs that educate and inspire. Each Awards category has an individual Awards committee, made up of industry professionals, who volunteer their time to oversee the policies, procedures, and selection of judges for their respective awards.
All award winners receive a certificate and a medallion engraved with the James Beard Foundation Awards insignia. There are no cash prizes.