Local James Beard Award semifinalists

The James Beard Awards recognize exceptional talent and achievement in the culinary arts, hospitality, media, and broader food systems, as well as a demonstrated commitment to racial and gender equity, community, sustainability, and a culture where all can thrive. This year, metro Detroit area chefs and restaurants are well-represented as semifinalists for national and regional honors. Making the cut in the Best Chef-Great Lakes category are Hamissi Mamba and Nadia Nijimbere, Baobab Fare, Detroit; Mike Ransom, Ima, Detroit; Ahmad Sanji, Al Tayeb, Dearborn; Anthony Lombardo, SheWolf, Detroit; Omar Anani, Saffron de Twah, Detroit; James Rigato, Mabel Gray, Hazel Park; Sarah Welch, Marrow, Detroit; and Kate Williams, Karl’s, Detroit. Warda Bouguettay from Detroit’s Warda Pâtisserie is up for the Outstanding Pastry Chef and Detroit’s Barda for Best New Restaurant. J.D. Simpson and Roger Yopp, owners of Detroit’s SavannahBlue, made the list for Outstanding Restaurateur. Mudgie’s Deli in Detroit and Phoenicia in Birmingham are both semifinalists for Outstanding Hospitality. Detroit’s Shelby is up for the Outstanding Bar Program and Madam in Birmingham for Outstanding Wine Program. The 2022 Awards Ceremony will take place in Chicago, on Monday, June 13. Jamesbeard.org