Paolo Dungca (Hiraya in Washington, D.C.), who is nominated for the Emerging Chef Award told us he felt “truly surreal” when he heard the good news.
“I’ve dreamed of seeing my name on such a prestigious list for a long time, so this recognition feels like a dream come true,” he said. “But honestly, this isn’t just for me. It’s much bigger than that. It’s an honor to represent Washington, D.C. in this category, and I’m proud that this nomination shines a spotlight on our cuisine and heritage on such an incredible platform.”
Dungca also acknowledged his team, “Most importantly, this is for my team—none of this would have been possible without their unwavering passion and dedication to pushing Filipino food forward.”
Born in the culinary capital of the Philippines, San Fernando, Dungca moved to Los Angeles with his mother when he was 13 years old. While in nursing school, Dungca picked up a job as a dishwasher at Disneyland and was captivated by the energy of the kitchen. It was then that Dungca knew he was meant to be on the line, and traded nursing school for culinary school.
Monique Feybesse and Paul Feybesse (Tarts de Feybesse in Oakland) are nominated for Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker. Monique is an alumna of Top Chef.
The restaurants Archipelago (Seattle) and République (Los Angeles) are both nominated for Outstanding Hospitality.
Aaron Verzosa, co-owner and chef of Seattle restaurant Archipelago, was one of the “Outstanding Chef” nominees last year and was a semifinalist for Best Chef: Northwest and Pacific in 2023.
Margarita Lorenzana Manzke and her husband Walter are behind Republique. Margarita was nominated for eight consecutive years for a James Beard Award, finally winning the Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker in 2023.
Canlis, a classic fine dining treasure in Seattle has two reasons to rejoice as it celebrates its 75th year in business this year.
The restaurant’s sommelier Linda Milagros Violago is up for Outstanding Professional in Beverage Service, a new award meant to honor a service professional who curates and serves wine, beer, or other offerings such as sake, low- and non-alcoholic beverages in a restaurant or bar setting; or winery, distillery or brewery that also serves food.
“A true honour to be listed among these esteemed professionals as a semi-finalist for Outstanding Professional in Beverage Service,” Violago posted on her Instagram account. “Thanks to all the people who supported me along the way: employers, colleagues, peers, distributors, producers, and so many guests who have followed me from city to city, country to country.”
Aisha Ibrahim, the restaurant’s executive chef is up for Best Chef: Northwest and Pacific. Ibrahim accepted the position in 2021 becoming the seventh executive chef in the restaurant’s history. She was a 2023 Food and Wine Best New Chef awardee and made it to TIME100’s Next 24.
Suzanne Cupps, who opened Lola’s in New York last year is up for Best Chef: New York State. She expressed a bit of unbelief on her social media account when she heard of the nomination.
“Still processing this one,” Cupps posted. “What a dream to see my name on this list of amazing NY chefs. Thanks to everyone who has come by @lolas.nyc and for the team of talented and truly lovely people I get to work next to everyday.”
Cupps named the restaurant Lola’s, which comes from the Tagalog word for grandmother, in honor of her father’s mother Annunciasion “Noning” Rocamora Paraiso, who fled Japanese occupation in the Philippines during WWII.
“I really wanted to name my restaurant after such a strong woman. It’s not really about the recipes—I don’t even cook a lot of Filipino food; I’m trying to learn. It’s more about my heritage and honoring my family,” Cupps told the Asian Journal in an interview last year.
Sheldon Simeon of Tiffany’s (Wailuku) got another nod for Best Chef: Northwest and Pacific while Tara Monsod (ANIMAE in San Diego) is up again for Best Chef: California.
Silver Iocovozzi of Neng Jr.’s, in Asheville also returns with another Best Chef: Southeast (GA, KY, NC, SC, TN, WV) nomination.
This year, Lordfer Lalicon of Kaya in Orlando is nominated for Best Chef: South (AL, AR, FL, LA, MS, PR). Kaya, a contemporary Filipino restaurant was up for the Best New Restaurant Award last year.
This year’s winners will be celebrated at the James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards ceremony on June 16 at the Lyric Opera of Chicago.
The James Beard Awards, considered to be among the nation’s most prestigious honors, recognize exceptional talent in the culinary and food media industries, as well as a demonstrated commitment to racial and gender equity, community, sustainability, and a culture where all can thrive.
