The James Beard Foundation recently announced their list of semi-finalists for the extremely prestigious James Beard Awards. The James Beard Awards is an annual award ceremony which recognizes outstanding food, hospitality, chefs and other aspects of the food industry. Only the best of the best receive a James Beard Award.
The finals will take place in Chicago in June, and we’re so happy to announce that there were several Atlanta restaurants and chefs that made the semi-finals!
Best Chef in the Southeast
One of the categories is ‘Best Chef in the Southeast’ and Atlanta is proud to say that we have a few semi-finalists on the list! The other states included in the Southeast are: Georgia, Kentucky, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee, and West Virginia.
One incredible restaurant with a ‘best chef in the Southeast’ semi-finalist is Tio Lucho’s very own, Chef Arnaldo Castillo!
Chef Arnaldo Castillo is a household name among the Atlanta foodies, known for his delicious, authentic Peruvian flavor. Originally from Lima and Piura, Peru, he’s been an absolutely incredible addition to the food scene in Atlanta!
Tell us about Tio Lucho’s!
If you haven’t been yet, Tio Lucho’s should definitely be on your list of restaurants! You might remember seeing it on our list of amazing restaurants to support for Hispanic Heritage month. This Peruvian paradise serves up some truly mouth-watering dishes, like their famous ceviches tossed in leche de tigre or the Northern Peruvian traditional favorite: Arroz con Pato, which is Carolina gold rice cooked in a cilantro, ajis, and squash puree served with duck confit and seared duck breast.
We’re so proud of Chef Arnaldo Castillo, and we’ve got our fingers crossed for the James Beard Finals! Congratulations on your James Beard Semi-finals ranking, Chef Arnaldo!