Three Hawaii Chefs Named James Beard Award Semifinalists
There’s no shortage of award-winning dining in the Hawaiian Islands as recently evidenced by three local chefs being named James Beard Award semifinalists (and not for the first time, either). Regarded as the “Oscars” of the food and beverage industry, the James Beard Award recognizes the crème de la crème of the nation’s top chefs and restaurants in various categories.
Congratulations to Hawaii’s nominees:
Andrew Le, The Pig and the Lady; Michelle Karr-Ueoka, MW Restaurant; Ed Kenney, Town
Andrew Le, The Pig and the Lady (83 N King St, Honolulu, HI 96817) – named a semifinalist for Best Chef: West
Chef Andrew Le built up his fan base serving his mom’s Vietnamese dishes at local farmers’ markets and pop up spots until, in November 2013, he opened a brick and mortar–a Chinatown hot spot ever since. Last year, Andrew was nominated for James Beard Best New Chef.
Must try: Banh Mi French Dip Sandwich
Banh Mi Sandwich at The Pig and the Lady
Michelle Karr-Ueoka, MW Restaurant (1538 Kapiolani Blvd Ste 106, Honolulu, HI 96814), named a semifinalist for Outstanding Pastry Chef
The husband and wife team of Wade Ueoka (W) and Michelle Karr-Ueoka (M) recently started offering afternoon tea service and were both nominated for James Beard Awards in 2014.
Must try: Any and all of Michelle’s desserts!
Desserts at MW Restaurant
Ed Kenney, Town (3435 Waialae Ave #104, Honolulu, HI 96816) – named a semifinalist for Best Chef: West
Ed Kenney has become a household name in the Kaimuki neighborhood. In addition to the award-winning Town, he also runs Kaimuki Superette, a more casual spot offering sandwiches, soups and salads, and will soon open a third restaurant called Mud Hen Water. Learn more here.
Must try: Any of Town’s delicious pasta specials
Handmade Pasta at Town
- by So Much More Hawaii Staff