ST. LOUIS — The James Beard Foundation is celebrating its 35th year as the nation’s “most prestigious honor” for talent in the culinary and food industries.
On Wednesday, the foundation announced the 2025 award finalists, and only two St. Louis chefs made the cut, receiving national attention. Back in January, seven St. Louis restaurants and chefs had made it to the semifinals.
Jane Sacro Chatham of Vicia in St. Louis was named among four other finalists for the “Emerging Chef” category. Vicia was also a James Beard semi-finalist in 2018 for “Best New Restaurant.”
Vicia was named “Best New Restaurant in America” by Eater, Esquire, and Bon Appetit magazines, according to their website.
For the “Best Chef: Midwest” category, Loryn Nalic of Balkan Treat Box in Webster Groves, Missouri, was named among four other finalists across the midwest region. Nalic is a four-time James Beard semifinalist, according to the Balkan Treat Box website.
The Webster Groves restaurant has also been featured in Esquire Magazine as “Best New Restaurant.”
The winners will be revealed on Monday, June 16, at the Lyric Opera of Chicago. Winners will be announced across 25 categories, including best new bar, profession in beverage service, and outstanding professional in cocktail service.