Honoring good quality food in America, the non-profit organization, James Beard Foundation, announced their finalists for this year’s award ceremony, which included three Pinoy chefs based in the United States.

Announced last month, the foundation has declared its top-finalists chefs, who will be battling for five major awards this month.

Raising the Philippine flag in the said ceremony, three Pinoy chefs made it to the list of nominees, namely Vince Bugtong, Aaron Verzosa, and Margarita Manzke.

The three chefs were declared to be in different categories. Bugtong and Manzke were nominees for outstanding pastry chefs, while Verzosa was the best chef in the Northwest and Pacific areas.

During the contest, Bugtong will be representing ABACÁ, a Filipino restaurant in San Francisco, California, serving variations of Pinoy dishes with a twist.

“What an honor to be a James Beard Semi-Finalist for Outstanding Pastry Chef and Baker! It still feels surreal. I want to thank everyone who helped me become the cook or chef I am today,” Bugtong said on his Instagram account.

Manzke, on the other hand, will be representing République Cafe & Bakery in Los Angeles, which offers different variations of mouthwatering pastries.

Lastly is Verzosa, who will be representing a Filipino restaurant in Seattle, Archipelago, offering a fusion of Pinoy and American flavors on their dishes.

“To be recognized amongst our amazing and talented peers in the region is more than we could ask for. Thank you for continuing to support us” Verzosa said.

The James Beard Foundation disclosed to announce the winners from the five major categories on April 26, which will be conducted in New York City.

Photo Credit:
https://www.instagram.com/restaurantabaca/, https://www.instagram.com/republiquecafebakery/, https://www.facebook.com/archipelagoseattle

Source:
https://www.jamesbeard.org/