The gala for the prestigious 2016 James Beard Awards was held on May 2 at the Lyric Opera of Chicago. These awards recognize the excellence of chefs and restaurateurs, cookbook authors, food journalists, restaurant designers, and architects, among other US cuisine industry players.

Among the many awards, we would like to highlight Outstanding Pastry Chef, which went to Dahlia Narvaez, executive pastry chef of Osteria Mozza in Los Angeles, with one Michelin star, and Outstanding Baker, which went to Joanne Chang, owner of Flour Bakery + Cafe in Boston, and who was exuberant during her speech because “every year I’ve been nominated they think I’ve won, so this year I can finally tell them I did.” Also, of course, the award Outstanding Chef to Suzanne Goin  (restaurant Lucques, Los Angeles) and Outstandind Book Baking and Dessert to Sourdough: Recipes for Rustic Fermented Breads, Sweets, Savories, and More from Sarah Owens.