Berlu was a rare bird, a fine-dining restaurant in a city with little use for them, offering a meticulous tasting menu that — at least in the early days — clocked in at a relatively affordable $80 a head.

The James Beard Foundation announced Wednesday the finalists vying for its coveted awards, and among them are five Chicago chefs and restaurants.

The James Beard Foundation, which recognizes exceptional talent in the culinary and food media industries, announced the finalists for its 2025 award season, and one Austinite made the cut.

Three restaurant professionals in Charlotte were nominated as 2025 semifinalists for a James Beard Award: Community Matters Cafe executive chef Chayil Johnson; Tonidandel-Brown beverage director Colleen Hughes; and Restaurant Constance owner and chef Sam Diminich. Alex Cason/CharlotteFive Collage by Melissa Oyler

Four Oklahomans and a local restaurant have been named finalists for the 2025 James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards.

The James Beard Awards honor people and restaurants that contribute to American food culture. Receiving a prize from the organization is one of the culinary world’s highest honors — and some Oklahomans could do just that.

The nominations for the 2025 James Beard Foundation Restaurant and Chef Awards have been announced, and Pittsburgh was among those named. The categories where Pittsburgh is represented are Best New Restaurant and the Humanitarian of the Year Awards.

Philadelphia’s thriving dining and drinking scene has earned four James Beard Awards nominations for 2025, writes Michael Klein for The Philadelphia

Oklahoma has two nominees for the 2025 James Beard Awards, which honors the best restaurants and chefs in the country.