COLUMBIA, S.C. — The James Beard Foundation announced the 2023 Restaurant and Chef Awards semifinalists for the prestigious James Beard Awards. Likened to the Oscars in the entertainment industry, the annual James Beard Awards seek to recognize the best in the food and beverage business.
The awards, named after the "Dean of American cookery," were established in 1990 and first awarded in 1991. Making this year's list are three Columbia establishments.
- For Outstanding Restaurateur: Aaron Hoskins, Sarah Simmons, Nicole Storey, and Elie Yigo, City Grit Hospitality Group (SmallSUGAR, CITY GRIT, and Il Focolare Pizzeria). Simmons, a Columbia native, returned to her hometown and opened Rise Gourmet Goods & Bakeshop with Hoskins. The couple became active in the business community, focusing on workforce training and community growth, and founding the Feed the City program. SmallSUGAR, at 709 Gervais, serves breakfast and lunch and specializes in fresh baked breads and pastries; Il Focolare Pizzaria, at 2150 Sumter St., features made-to-order wood-fired pizzas; CITY GRIT Marketplace, at 707 Gervais, is a one-stop shop for gourmet products, grab-n-go snacks, fresh bread and pastries, and artisan goods.
- Outstanding Hospitality: Lula Drake Wine Parlour. Located at 1635 Main St., Lula Drake is named after a woman who owned and operated a hat shop at the Main Street location in the 1920s. The bar/restaurant offers a cozy respite from the day, with a focus on wines and craft beers and cocktails.
- Best Chef: Southeast (GA, KY, NC, SC, TN, WV): Jessica Shillato, Spotted Salamander. Shillato began her career as a caterer in Columbia, founding Spotted Salamander in 2008. The restaurant, located at 1531 Richland St., was able to weather the COVID-19 pandemic by becoming a takeout only establishment. Now back at full service, Shillato opened a second location at 1441 Main St. She is a former South Carolina Chef Ambassador, representing and promoting the state's food and culture.
Other South Carolina nominees include:
- Emerging Chef: Bernard Bennett, Ọkàn, Bluffton, SC
- Best Chef: Daniel "Dano" Heinze, Vern's, Charleston; Dayna Lee-Márquez, Comal 864, Greenville
The James Beard finalists will be announced on March 29, and the winners will be celebrated June 5 at the Lyric Opera of Chicago.
