These Miami Chefs and Bakers Are 2024 James Beard Award Finalists

The James Beard Foundation is narrowing down selections as the awards show rapidly approaches and three local chefs and bakers are still in the running.
By Nicole Lopez-AlvarApril 3, 2024
Portrait of Manuel and Jesus Brazon in their kitchen
Manuel and Jesus Brazon

Photo by Zachary Fagenson
Carbonatix Pre-Player Loader

Audio By Carbonatix

The James Beard Foundation has announced the finalists for 2024’s Restaurant and Chef Awards, among the most prestigious culinary honors in the nation. This list was narrowed down from a list of semifinalists released in January, and it includes none other than the chef behind Maty’s, which was just named one of the best restaurants in America.

The 2024 selections include three Miami chefs and bakers who have been selected in two categories.

Miami’s 2024 James Beard Foundation Restaurant and Chef Awards finalists are listed below.

Pastries by Jesus and Manuel Brazon of Caracas Bakery

Photo by Nicole Lopez-Alvar

Editor's Picks

Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker

  • Jesus Brazon and Manuel Brazon of Caracas Bakery in Doral and Miami

Best Chef: South (AL, AR, FL, LA, MS, PR)

  • Valerie Chang of Maty’s in Miami

Related

Winners will be announced at the James Beard Restaurant and Awards ceremony on Monday, June 10, at the Lyric Opera of Chicago.

This story will be updated as more information is released.

GET MORE COVERAGE LIKE THIS

Sign up for the Food & Drink newsletter to get the latest stories delivered to your inbox

Nicole Lopez-Alvar is the food editor of Miami New Times, a position she has been honored to take on since December 2023. Prior to her work at Miami New Times, she was a digital journalist covering breaking news, restaurants, arts, and culture at WPLG Local 10 News and WSVN 7 News. When she’s not writing about restaurants and chefs for her day job, Nicole can be found blogging about food on her personal Instagram account. Nicole received a BS in communications from the University of Miami, where she studied broadcast journalism. Readers might have seen her on the 23rd season of ABC’s The Bachelor and the sixth season of Bachelor in Paradise.

nicole.lopez-alvar@miaminewtimes.com
A message from Food & Drink Editor Nicole Lopez-Alvar: If you value independent journalism, please consider making a contribution to support our continued coverage of Miami's evolving dining scene and the latest culinary innovations our community offers.
Support Us

Loading latest posts...