The James Beard Foundation, which regularly celebrates its popular James Beard Awards in May, has postponed them in order to focus all its time and efforts on supporting the food industry, one of those most affected by the coronavirus crisis. Now, after consulting chefs and restaurants across the USA, they have made the decision to announce Restaurant & Chef Award winners on September 25. Details of the location and format will be communicated soon.

The foundation has also revealed the nominees in nearly 60 categories, including Restaurant and Chef, Restaurant Design, and Media . Here we want to take a look at two sections directly related to our sector: Outstanding Pastry Chef and Outstanding Baker, in which those professionals who demonstrate exceptional ability, integrity, and character in the preparation of desserts, cakes, or breads served in a restaurant and in a retail bakery respectively will be rewarded.

Outstanding Pastry Chef Nominees

• Lincoln Carson, Bon Temps, Los Angeles
• Juan Contreras, Atelier Crenn, San Francisco
• Margarita Manzke, République, Los Angeles
• Diane Moua, Spoon and Stable, Minneapolis
• Natasha Pickowicz, Flora Bar, NYC
• Miro Uskokovic, Gramercy Tavern, NYC

Outstanding Baker Nominees

• Graison Gill, Bellegarde Bakery, New Orleans
• Zachary Golper, Bien Cuit, NYC
• Maura Kilpatrick, Sofra Bakery, Cambridge, MA
• Lisa Ludwinski, Sister Pie, Detroit
• Avery Ruzicka, Manresa Bread, Los Gatos, California