For foodies across the United States, there’s no list quite as exciting as the James Beard Award nominees. Since 1991 when the first awards were given, the James Beard Awards have been among the nation’s most prestigious honors that recognize leaders in the culinary industry. With so many breakout local chefs, restaurateurs, and establishments on the semifinalist list this year, we’ve been waiting for the nominee list with bated breath. Well, without further ado…
Outstanding Bakery
Mel the Bakery
Hudson
View this post on Instagram
Migrating upstate from its original location on Ludlow Street in New York City, Mel the Bakery has enjoyed nothing but success since its opening in Hudson. The larger space in Columbia County specializes in homemade breads and pastries, featuring goodies with fun flavors like ham and cheese croissants, purple sweet potato and sesame loafs, and olive and sunflower breads. Mel the Bakery takes a community approach to business and is constantly experimenting with new menu items and seasonal ingredients to keep Hudson natives coming back. Packed with customers from Friday through Sunday, it’s no surprise that this bakery made it to the nominees list for the James Beard Awards.
Best Chef
With five of the Hudson Valley’s foremost culinary minds representing the Hudson Valley region on the semifinalist list, we’re so glad to see that one incredible chef made it through to the nominee round.
Chris Mauricio
Harana Market, Accord
View this post on Instagram
As someone who grew up in their Lola’s kitchen learning traditional Filipino cooking methods, Chef Chris Mauricio has pursued their love of feeding people ever since. After traveling all over the country for their culinary career, Mauricio and their partner Eva eventually settled in the Hudson Valley to return to their roots with Harana Market. The hotspot is a culmination of Mauricio’s lifetime of experience that’s centered around lutong bahay, or homestyle Filipino food, and the menu rotates seasonally and is based entirely on Mauricio’s family recipes.
So, with all that said: Who are you rooting for, Hudson Valley? If you’ve dined at any of these exceptional establishments, be sure to share your experience with us on social media. Stay tuned—the winners will be announced on June 10.
Related: Feast at The Caboose to Support Reforestation in the Hudson Valley
