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Each year, the prestigious recognize the top talent in the culinary field. Known as “the Oscar’s of the food world,” these coveted awards are given to the country’s best restaurateurs, chefs, bakers and food media professionals.

Johnson & Wales is always well represented among the nominees, and this year was no exception. We had an impressive 18 alumni nominated as semifinalists, with seven of them moving on as finalists and one announced as a winner at the awards ceremony on June 16. Sky Haneul Kim ’14 took home the award in the Best Chef: Northeast category for her incredible work at in Providence, RI.

We’re so proud of all our talented alumni for being recognized and celebrated as top players in the culinary realm — check out the full list of nominees!

Outstanding Chef presented by Hilton

• Finalist: Cassie Piuma ’02, , Somerville, MA
• Semifinalist: Carlos Portela ’98, , San Juan, PR

Outstanding Restaurant presented by Acqua Panna® Natural Spring Water

• Finalist: , Providence, RI
  Benajmin Sukle ’08, Owner/Restaurateur

Emerging Chef presented by S.Pellegrino® Sparkling Natural Mineral Water

• Semifinalist: Danny Garcia ’14, , New York, NY

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Outstanding Hospitality presented by American Airlines

• Semifinalist: , Providence, RI
  Champe Speidel ’00, ’16 Hon., Chef and Co-Proprietor

Outstanding Bar

• Semifinalist: , Miami, FL
  Michelle Bernstein ’94, ’03 Hon., Executive Chef

Best Chef: Mountain

• Semifinalist: Erasmo Casiano ’07, , Denver, CO
• Semifinalist: Diego Coconati ’00, Lucina Eatery & Bar, Denver, CO

Best Chef: Northeast

• WINNER: Sky Haneul Kim ’14, , Providence, RI
• Finalist: Derek Wagner ’99, ’19 Hon., , Providence, RI
• Finalist: Brian Lewis ’89, , Westport, CT
• Semifinalist: Robert Andreozzi ’12, , Providence, RI

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Best Chef: South

• Finalist: Angel David Moreno Zayas ’04, , Guayama, PR

Best Chef: Southeast

• Finalist: Sara Bradley ’07, , Paducah, KY
• Semifinalist: Chayil Johnson ’18, , Charlotte, NC

Outstanding Restaurateur             

• Semifinalist: Brian Jupiter ’03, , Chicago, IL
  (nominated with partners Mark Domitrovich and Aaron Torricelli)

Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker

• Semifinalist: Lucia Merino ’09, , San Juan, PR
• Semifinalist: Leigh Omilinsky ’06, , Chicago, IL

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