The James Beard Award finalists have been announced, and Oregon’s top chefs are once again in the national spotlight.
The Beaver State was represented in categories such as "Outstanding Restaurant," "Outstanding Bakery," "Outstanding Bar" and "Best Chef: Northwest and Pacific" on this year's list, which was announced Wednesday. The James Beard award is presented for culinary excellence in a specific area of expertise and is considered one of the highest honors a restaurant can receive.
While most Oregon finalists are based in Portland, Ashland and Amity also earned recognition this year. The James Beard Foundation Awards (JBFA), celebrating their 35th anniversary, will announce winners June 16 at the Lyric Opera of Chicago.
Joshua Dorcak nominated for best chef in the Northwest
Joshua Dorcak's Ashland-based restaurant MÄS has been called "eye-opening" by The New York Times and "exquisite" by Food & Wine. The tiny tasting menu restaurant is constantly switching things up with delightful, Japanese-inspired dishes. The current tasting menu lists simple dishes with robust ingredients, such as a course of crab, carrot and yuzu.
