The semifinalists have been announced for the 2025 James Beard Awards, considered to be one of the most prestigious awards in the restaurant and chef professions, and four Tulsa candidates made the list.
The group picks just 20 semifinalists from the entire nation for each category.
Elliot Nelson and his McNellie’s Group restaurants are in the running for Outstanding Restaurateur.
Noche in downtown Tulsa made the semifinal list for Best New Restaurant.
Lisa Becklund from the Farm Bar near 18th and Boston made the list in the category of Outstanding Chef.
And Cat Cox from Country Bird Bakery at 3rd and Utica, is one of just 20 semifinalists for Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker.
Finalists will be announced in April, and the winners will be announced at the James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards ceremony on June 16th at the Lyric Opera of Chicago.