Two CT chefs make it to finals in award compared to ‘Oscars of the food world’
Two Connecticut restaurant chefs have been named finalists for the prestigious James Beard Awards.
Renee Touponce of The Port of Call & Oyster Club is a finalist Outstanding Chef and David Standridge of The Shipwright’s Daughter is a finalist for Best Chef Northeast. Both are in Mystic.
The James Beard Awards represent “a pinnacle of achievement in the culinary industry, and these nominations underscore the exceptional talent and dedication of both these Connecticut chefs,” Scott Dolch, president and CEO of the Connecticut Restaurant Association, said in a statement.
“We are thrilled to congratulate Renee and David on being named finalists. This is a testament to their exceptional talent, dedication, and passion for the culinary arts in Connecticut.”
The James Beard Awards, often regarded as the “Oscars of the food world,” honor the finest culinary talent in America, celebrating chefs, restaurants, and food professionals who demonstrate excellence in their fields, a statement from the association said.
Touponce’s honor is extra special, Dolch said, because it marks the first time in the award’s 33-year history that a Connecticut chef has been recognized in his category.
The winners will be announced at a ceremony held June 10 in Chicago.
Earlier this year, Gov. Ned Lamont commended both chefs and others in Connecticut for being nominated as semifinalists.
News of the semi-finalists prompted Lamont to declare Connecticut “Foodie Capital of New England.” That title, in part, was born out of the notoriety of Connecticut’s pizza, a statement from Lamont’s office said at the time.
It was announced in February that three of the state’s restaurants were named semifinalists for the award.
In addition to Touponce and Standridge, the other semifinalist from Connecticut was Coracora, a Peruvian restaurant in West Hartford in the Outstanding Restaurant category.
“Our restaurant industry is a vital part of the fabric of Connecticut, with each establishment telling a unique story that reflects the dedication of the individuals who run them,” Lamont said at the time.