7 places
BrianCantStopEating’s Top Seven Bites from the 2025 James Beard Awards
At this year’s James Beard Awards in Chicago, S.Pellegrino ambassador Brian Lindo of BrianCantStopEating got a coveted taste of the country’s finest chefs—all in one night. At the official after-party, where award winners and culinary leaders cooked for each other in a rare moment of relaxed celebration, Lindo sampled standout dishes from across the U.S. “Think, like, the Oscars of the food industry,” he said. “And I had some incredible food.”
About the list
Dakar NOLA
Chef Serigne Mbaye’s Dakar NOLA is a tasting menu restaurant that blends West African culinary tradition with Gulf Coast ingredients. It’s earned national attention for its deeply personal storytelling and layered flavors.
“Starting with the Black Eyed Pea soup and Gulf crab from phenom chef Serigne Bey at Dakar NOLA—this bite was insane.”
Rootstalk
Nestled in a beautifully restored historic home on North Main Street, Rootstalk is helmed by 2024 James Beard Award–winning chef Matt Vawter. With a focus on seasonal, farm‑driven cuisine and an intimate tasting‑menu format, the restaurant connects diners to local purveyors via inventive yet soulful plates.
“Chef Matt Vawter from Denver’s Rootstalk restaurant brought out this pistachio agnolotti—basically perfection.”
In Bocca al Lupo
In Bocca Al Lupo describes itself as “Alaskan food, with Italian flavor”: a casual yet refined eatery in Juneau that combines fresh Alaska seafood, handmade pasta, wood‑fired pizzas, and seasonal specials influenced by Filipino and Indigenous traditions. Named one of the 50 best restaurants in the U.S. by The New York Times in 2023, and led by James Beard–nominated chef Beau Schooler, it’s become a must‑visit for adventurous palates.
“Chef Beau Schooler from Bocca in Alaska made this Alaskan scallop crudo. It was fresh, vibrant, and tangy.”
Kann
Founded by chef Gregory Gourdet, Kann celebrates Haitian heritage through wood-fired, gluten- and dairy-free cooking using Pacific Northwest ingredients. It’s one of Portland’s most acclaimed restaurants, earning a 2023 James Beard Award for Best New Restaurant.
“This Caribbean shrimp curry from Kann restaurant out in Portland was amazing. Packed with flavor.”
Ana Liz Taqueria
A family-run taqueria based in Dallas, Ana Liz Taqueria is known for its handmade tortillas, deeply seasoned meats, and flavorful regional Mexican specialties. The menu brings homestyle tradition to vibrant life.
“Ana Liz Taqueria from Texas brought out this tostada that was incredible. Handmade tortilla, the most seasoned and flavorful beef—perfection.”
Atomix
Led by chefs Junghyun and Ellia Park, Atomix is a two-MICHELIN-starred tasting menu restaurant in NYC focused on modern Korean cuisine. Known for its sleek, immersive format and meticulous ingredient sourcing, it ranks among the world’s top dining destinations.
“And as a bonus, there were plenty of food experiences throughout the weekend—like this exclusive tasting and collab dinner with Atomix…”
Smyth
Helmed by chefs John Shields and Karen Urie Shields, Smyth is a three-MICHELIN-starred restaurant in Chicago’s West Loop. Known for its inventive tasting menus and fermentation-forward pantry, it blends midwestern terroir with avant-garde technique.
“…and The Smyth. Truly one of the most innovative meals of my life.”
