Palm Beach County Restaurants: 2023 James Beard Awards
The 2023 James Bard Foundation Awards were recently announced, and we wanted to give you the rundown on all of the Palm Beach County places that made the cut. None of them won their category, but here were the few that were semifinalists for "Best Chef South".
Rick Mace, Tropical Smokehouse
West Palm Beach, Florida
Best Chef South, 2023 Semifinalist
Tropical Smokehouse is a casual barbecue joint in West Palm Beach that serves up classic Southern-style BBQ with a Florida twist. The menu features slow-smoked meats like brisket, baby back ribs, sausage, and unique dishes like gator sausage and smoked cobia. People rave about the flavorful and tender cuts and sauces, the friendly service, and the laid-back atmosphere. Whether you're a barbecue aficionado or just looking for a delicious lunch or dinner, Tropical Smokehouse is definitely worth a visit.
Pushkar Marathe, Stage
Palm Beach Gardens, Florida
Best Chef South, 2023 Semifinalist
Stage is a flavor-forward restaurant that offers an integrated small-plate experience inspired by diverse culinary influences from around the world. The restaurant is led by Chef Pushkar Marathe, who creates dishes that showcase his creative approach to global cuisine. Fans of Stage tend to love the unique and innovative menu, the exceptional service, and the stylish atmosphere. Stage is great for special occasions, and their cold and hot "snacks" make it a good spot for a great date night during the week!
Lojo Washington, Queen of Sheeba
West Palm Beach, Florida
Best Chef South, 2023 Semifinalist
Queen of Sheeba is an Ethiopian restaurant in the Historic Northwest district of West Palm. It's an immersive culinary experience with authentic Ethiopian dishes. The menu features a variety of flavorful options, including traditional favorites like doro wat and kitfo, as well as vegetarian dishes, all served with injera flatbread. The cozy and intimate atmosphere is complemented by friendly and attentive service, making Queen of Sheeba a must-visit destination for those seeking a memorable and unique dining experience.
Jeremy & Cindy Bearman, Oceano Kitchen
Lantana, Florida
Best Chef South, 2023 Semifinalist
Oceano specializes in New American cuisine with a focus on locally sourced ingredients. The menu changes daily, inspired by seasonal availability, and features dishes cooked in a wood-fired oven or outdoor smoker. The intimate atmosphere and attentive service complement the exceptional food, earning Oceano a spot on many people's 'want-to-try' lists. With a commitment to quality ingredients and culinary excellence, Oceano consistently delivers a dining experience that has earned it a loyal following among locals and visitors alike.
Try them all!
Everyone's palate is different, but when a chef is recognized for achieving something great, their food is almost always worth a try. You might not love everything each of these Palm Beach County James Beard nominees serve up, but odds are you'll find something on each menu that you'll want to have again.
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