The James Beard Foundation announced its 2023 Restaurant and Chef Awards Semifinalists on Wednesday, and two Milwaukee dining staples made the grade: downtown hotspot Lupi & Iris (for Best New Restaurant), and restaurant group Black Shoe Hospitality (for Outstanding Restaurateur).

Other Milwaukee semifinalists include Dan Jacobs and Dan Van Rite of EsterEv (Best Chef: Midwest); and Gregory León of Amilinda (Best Chef: Midwest).

Lupi & Iris opened in 2022 at 777 N. Van Buren St., and is owned by Michael DeMichele and former Bartolotta Restaurant executive chef Adam Siegel. Black Shoe Hospitality is made up of Amy and Jason Kerstein, Joe Muench, and Dan Snider, and is responsible for Story Hill BKC and Buttermint Finer Dining & Cocktails.

“Congratulations to all our 2023 James Beard Award Semifinalists!” says Clare Reichenbach, CEO of the James Beard Foundation, in a press release. “This is always an exhilarating moment as we kick off the Awards cycle and recognize the outstanding achievements of individuals and teams across the country. After a year of fundamental changes, we look forward to building on the progress made, celebrating those paving a better future for us all—through their talent and craft, service to others, and commitment to a better, more sustainable industry. We look forward to sharing more exciting details for the 2023 ceremonies in the coming days.”

Finalists for the 2023 awards will be announced on Wednesday, March 29. Winners will be named at the James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards Ceremony on Monday, June 5, at the Lyric Opera of Chicago.

The full list of semifinalists can be found HERE. Here’s the full press release:


JAMES BEARD FOUNDATION® ANNOUNCES 2023 RESTAURANT AND CHEF AWARDS SEMIFINALISTS

NEW YORK, NY (January 25, 2023) – The James Beard Foundation® announced today its 2023 Restaurant and Chef Awards Semifinalists in advance of the James Beard Awards® presented by Capital One. The full list of 2023 Restaurant and Chef Awards Semifinalists can be found below and on the James Beard Foundation website. Nominees will be announced on Wednesday, March 29, and winners will be celebrated at the James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards Ceremony on Monday, June 5, 2023, at the Lyric Opera of Chicago.

“Congratulations to all our 2023 James Beard Award Semifinalists! This is always an exhilarating moment as we kick off the Awards cycle and recognize the outstanding achievements of individuals and teams across the country,” said Clare Reichenbach, CEO of the James Beard Foundation. “After a year of fundamental changes, we look forward to building on the progress made, celebrating those paving a better future for us all—through their talent and craft, service to others, and commitment to a better, more sustainable industry. We look forward to sharing more exciting details for the 2023 ceremonies in the coming days.”

The James Beard Awards, considered to be among the nation’s most prestigious honors, recognize exceptional talent in the culinary and food media industries, as well as a demonstrated commitment to racial and gender equity, community, sustainability, and a culture where all can thrive.

“Congratulations to our 2023 Semifinalists. It is exciting to see deserving talent across the industry be recognized for their achievement—and that the changes we made to our policies and procedures are still bearing fruit,” said Tanya Holland, Chair of the James Beard Awards Committee, James Beard Foundation Board of Trustee. “I am honored to be part of a program that can have a positive effect on so many.”

“We are so thrilled to recognize this year’s Restaurant and Chef Awards Semifinalists, a truly diverse group of talented individuals across the culinary industry,” said Adrian Miller, Restaurant and Chef Awards Committee Chair.

The James Beard Foundation’s Restaurant and Chef Awards—established in 1990 and first awarded in 1991—are one of five separate recognition programs of the Awards. This Awards program celebrates excellence across a range of experiences, from fine-dining establishments to casual gems, and emerging talents to established masters. The 2023 Restaurant and Chef Semifinalists are recognized across 23 categories, including the new Award for Outstanding Bakery. James Beard Awards policies and procedures can be viewed at jamesbeard.org/awards/policies, and an overview of the voting process can be viewed here.

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Matt Wild weighs between 140 and 145 pounds. He lives on Milwaukee's east side.