Photo by Kevin Dooley
Interesting news out of the Windy City this morning. At a press conference attended by many of the city's top toques — who weren't told why they were there — Mayor Rahm Emanuel joined Susan Ungaro, President of the James Beard Foundation, Don
Welsh, President and CEO of Choose Chicago, and Sam Toia, President and CEO of the Illinois Restaurant Association, to announce that the James Beard Foundation Awards Ceremony and Gala will be held in Chicago this year. It will be the first time that the Awards have been held outside of New York City in their 25 year history.
"The James Beard Foundation has enjoyed a special friendship with the city of Chicago for decades. It's a city that boasts over 40 James Beard Award winners, as well as a special community of chefs and restaurateurs who have always supported the work of our Foundation," said Ungaro. "We believe celebrating our 2015 Awards in Chicago is consistent with our mission to honor excellence all across America."
The James Beard Foundation Book, Broadcast & Journalism Awards will remain in New York City in May of 2015.