The James Beard Foundation has officially announced its 2026 Restaurant and Chef Award nominees—the industry’s highest honor—and while the list celebrates talent across the country, here in the DMV, the reaction is a bit more complicated.For nearly four decades, the James Beard Awards have been considered the pinnacle of recognition in the American restaurant world. Winners will be revealed on June 15 at the Lyric Opera of Chicago, with additional honors—including the Impact, Lifetime Achievement, and Humanitarian awards—celebrated throughout the weekend.But first, the nominees.A Noticeable Shift for the DMVLet’s start here: this is not the strongest showing we’ve seen from the DC, Maryland, and Virginia region.There are bright spots—absolutely—but fewer names overall than in past years, and notably absent are some of the region’s most decorated and nationally recognized restaurants and chefs. For a market that continues to earn Michelin stars, national press, and global attention, the list feels…lighter than expected.Still, there are names worth celebrating.The DMV FinalistsIn the Best New Restaurant category, DC lands a major nod with Maison Bar à Vins—a recognition that underscores the continued evolution of the city’s dining scene and its embrace of more focused, wine-driven concepts.In Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker, Susan Bae of Moon Rabbit earns a well-deserved nomination, highlighting both her technical precision and thoughtful leadership in the kitchen.The beverage world also gets its due. Field & Main Restaurant is nominated for Outstanding Wine and Other Beverages Program, while DC’s own Brent Kroll of Maxwell Park is recognized in Outstanding Professional in Beverage Service—a testament to the region’s strength beyond the plate.And in Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic, Suresh Sundas of Tapori represents DC among a competitive group that leans heavily Philadelphia this year.National Standouts & Categories to WatchBeyond the DMV, this year’s nominees reflect a continued shift toward diverse culinary voices, regional storytelling, and independent restaurant innovation.The Outstanding Restaurant category includes heavy hitters like Kalaya and The Four Horsemen, while the Outstanding Chef lineup features industry leaders like Niki Nakayama and Michael Tusk.And in Emerging Chef, the next generation is front and center, signaling where the industry is heading next.A Lifetime of InfluenceThis year’s Lifetime Achievement Award goes to Nancy Silverton, whose impact on American dining—from La Brea Bakery to Osteria Mozza—has shaped how we think about bread, restaurants, and hospitality itself.The Bigger PictureThe introduction of the Impact Awards—now in their second year—signals the Foundation’s continued focus on equity, sustainability, and the future of the restaurant industry. It’s a reminder that today’s awards are not just about what’s on the plate, but how the industry evolves.Looking AheadSo yes, this year may feel like a quieter one for the DMV—but the talent here hasn’t gone anywhere. If anything, it raises questions about how recognition is evolving and what defines excellence on a national stage.One thing is certain: the conversation is far from over.And come June, all eyes will be on Chicago when the industry gathers once again for the James Beard Awards.We’ll see you there.

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Nycci Nellis of TheListAreYouOnIt.com is tracking all the St. Patrick’s Day festivities happening across the DMV, highlighting a multi-day celebration packed with food, drinks, and lively events. The festivities kick off early with several multi-day whiskey-focused celebrations featuring Irish favorites, Guinness, and classic dishes. On March 14, guests can enjoy a waterfront VIP Irish experience with whiskey tastings and live music, while neighborhood spots host all-day celebrations and themed events. Alexandria joins in with a city-wide bar crawl, and a long-running St. Baldrick’s Day event on March 15 offers a meaningful way to celebrate while raising funds for pediatric cancer research. On St. Patrick’s Day itself, iconic pubs across Capitol Hill and Northern Virginia deliver all-day parties filled with Irish music, whiskey, and community spirit. Nycci’s top advice: pace yourself, enjoy the hearty Irish fare, and remember it’s a marathon, not a sprint.

For the first time ever, Industry Night goes international. Host Nycci Nellis travels to Montréal for Montréal en Lumière, one of the world’s most celebrated winter festivals, a city-wide celebration of food, art, music, and culture that transforms the Quartier des Spectacles into a glowing playground in the heart of winter.During the festival, more than 80 restaurants participate in the Air France Finest Tables program, chefs take to the streets in the Village Gourmand, and the legendary Nuit Blanche keeps the city buzzing until sunrise with hundreds of cultural events.While exploring Montréal’s dynamic hospitality scene, Nycci sits down with some of the people shaping the city’s culinary conversation.In this episode of Industry Night, meet:Yves Lowe– Executive Chef & Gastronomy Programming Manager for Montréal en Lumière, discussing the scale of the festival, 90+ world-class chefs from 17 countries, and this year’s theme:A Taste of History – 65 Years of Montréal Gastronomy.Vanya Filipovic – Co-owner and Wine Director of Mon Lapin, winner of North America’s Best Sommelier 2025 (North America’s 50 Best Restaurants) and part of the team behind Mon Lapin’s #2 ranking on North America’s 50 Best Restaurants 2025. We talk about natural wine, global recognition, Michelin’s arrival in Québec, and Montréal’s evolving identity.Ari Schor – Chef and co-owner of Beba, ranked #50 on North America’s 50 Best Restaurants 2025. Ari shares his journey from Argentina to Montréal, the influence of immigration and family history on his cooking, and what it means to run a restaurant rooted in memory.David Lepage – Executive Chef of Hoogan et Beaufort, whose international résumé includes Daniel Boulud’s Daniel and Café Boulud, and Mauro Colagreco’s London kitchen. We discuss wood-fired cuisine, mentorship, returning home, and Montréal’s ingredient-driven future.From award-winning restaurants to one of the world’s most vibrant winter festivals, this episode dives into the culture, creativity, and community that make Montréal one of North America’s great food cities.Subscribe for more conversations with the chefs, restaurateurs, beverage experts, and hospitality leaders shaping how and why we eat.Listen to the full episode here and watch it here.