The James Beard Restaurant and Chef Gala showcased the industry’s commitment to style, value, and celebration, all while addressing pressing social issues. With a backdrop of political protests in Chicago against the Trump administration, the event exemplified the industry's challenges and the crucial role of immigrant contributions. Clare Reichenbach and Gov. JB Pritzker emphasized diversity and togetherness, urging attendees to stand up against fear. This year's ceremony also marked a shift towards inclusive values, highlighting the necessity of cultural exchange in today’s landscape, a significant evolution since the awards faced criticism in 2020 for lack of diversity.
"Today we celebrate the full breadth of your work, your impact and your value. Our job at the James Beard Foundation is to champion you, to support you, help you find solutions to the challenges at hand so that together, we can push for a safe, sustainable, and thrilling food world."
"Don't let fear decide what side of history you land on," she said.
"Across this nation we need to celebrate the rich tradition of diversity and find time for more cultural exchange. At this time, it feels like we need that togetherness more than ever before."
Collection
[
|
...
]