The James Beard Awards are coming back to Chicago tonight, Sept. 27, 2021. The foundation is a nonprofit organization that celebrates, supports, and elevates the people behind America’s food culture. They give out the award to recognize exceptional achievements and talents in the culinary arts, media, hospitality, and broader food system.
The award is also given to those who demonstrate commitment to gender and racial equity, sustainability, community, and a culture where everyone can thrive. For over 30 years, the annual James Beard Awards have provided recognition and national acclaim to some of the best restaurants, authors, publishers, journalists, broadcast media, food and beverage professionals, and others in the food ecosystem.
The COVID-19 pandemic forced the country to reckon with a virus that has been unforgiving to the media, hospitality, food and beverage, and broader food systems. It also shed light on the existing racial inequities and injustice within the industry and beyond.
The foundation heard the public and restaurant community’s call for a more transparent and inclusive Awards process. After careful consideration, they decided to forgo its traditional Awards presentation and focus more on the work of the industry itself.
This year the Awards will celebrate the Stories of Resilience and Leadership. The 2021 James Beard Awards will be a salute to the independent restaurant community. It will showcase some of the leaders, organizations, and businesses that have made a significant impact on their community and the industry.
Tonight the Awards show will highlight inspirational stories of community, innovation, passion, resilience, and leadership under the COVID-19 hardships. People will be able to view the broadcast via Twitter at 7 p.m. CT, 8 p.m. ET, 5 p.m. PT.
The Awards will be held at the Harris Rooftop.
Written by Sheena Robertson
Sources:
James Beard Foundation: AWARDS NEWS
WGN Radio: James Beard Awards and recognition return to Chicago tonight; by Dane Neal
Inset Image Courtesy of lesleyk’s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
Top and Featured Image Courtesy of djjewelz’s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
