Seven Maine restaurateurs, chefs, and bakers are semifinalists for the 2026 James Beard Awards, which recognize excellence in the culinary arts, food and beverage, and the hospitality industries.

 

Open sign in restaurant window
Nina June. Courtesy Nina June

For Outstanding Restaurateur, Dana Street, founder of Fore Street, Scales, and Standard Baking Co. in Portland, was nominated.  In the Outstanding Bakery category, Night Moves Bread of South Portland was singled out.

 

chef in restaurant kitchen
Chef Chris Gould of Central Provisions. Courtesy Central Provisions

For Best Chef: Northeast, five Maine chefs were named. They include Jeremy Broucek of Bread & Friends; Thomas Takashi Cooke of Izakaya Minato; Chris Gould of Central Provisions; Sara Jenkins of Nina June in Rockport; and Jake Stevens of Leeward. The James Beard Award finalists will be announced on April 1, and the award ceremony is scheduled for June 15 in Chicago.

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