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Loryn Nalic Wins James Beard Midwest Chef Award

6/17/2026

Summary

Loryn Nalic Wins

The James Beard Foundation’s 2026 Awards took place at Chicago’s Lyric Opera, and St. Louis chef Loryn Nalic of Balkan Treat Box won Best Chef: Midwest.
St. Louis finalists, including Nick Bognar, lost to Lei (New York), Providence (Los Angeles) and Kalaya (Philadelphia), and the city’s last chef winner was Kevin Nashan in 2017.
Nick Bognar, a Rising Star Chef nominee, said the recognition motivates him to push his food forward.

Summary

Maplewood Nominated

The Maplewood prix fixe concept, launched in March, earned a James Beard nomination for Best New Restaurant (openings Oct 1 2024–Sep 30 2025).
Louie’s nomination for Outstanding Hospitality recognizes the team’s focus on empathy and care, which owner Matt McGuire says defines the restaurant’s DNA.
Michael Gallina and Tara Gallina run Root Hospitality’s venues Vicia, Winslow’s Table and the upcoming Gigi.

Summary

Tusk Wins

Michael Tusk of San Francisco’s Quince was named Outstanding Chef at the 2026 James Beard Awards.
Kalaya in Philadelphia earned the Outstanding Restaurant honor, highlighting the city’s rising culinary scene.
Gail Simmons served as the ceremony’s emcee.
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson appeared onstage, underscoring the event’s civic significance.
Adrian Torres of Maximo, Texas, won Emerging Chef, spotlighting the Gulf Coast culinary scene.

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Loryn Nalic Wins

The James Beard Foundation’s 2026 Awards took place at Chicago’s Lyric Opera, and St. Louis chef Loryn Nalic of Balkan Treat Box won Best Chef: Midwest.
St. Louis finalists, including Nick Bognar, lost to Lei (New York), Providence (Los Angeles) and Kalaya (Philadelphia), and the city’s last chef winner was Kevin Nashan in 2017.
Nick Bognar, a Rising Star Chef nominee, said the recognition motivates him to push his food forward.

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