Chicago has a new James Beard Award winner: Jake Potashnick, who was named Best Chef in the Great Lakes region. Potashnick received the honor at the 36th annual James Beard Awards Monday night at the Lyric Opera House in Downtown Chicago.

Potashnick is behind Feld, a 20-seat restaurant in Ukrainian Village that sources most of its ingredients from Midwestern farms within a four-hour driving radius. Feld has been awarded one Michelin Star and a Michelin Green Star for sustainability, as well as two Jean Banchet Awards.

Local Food Scene Celebrated

The James Beard Awards recognize exceptional talent in the culinary and food media industries and have been presented annually in Chicago since 2015. Chicago had two other finalists this year: Monteverde’s Bailey Sullivan was in the running for the Emerging Chef award, and Cariño’s Norman Fenton was nominated in the Best Chef: Great Lakes category alongside Potashnick.

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson attended the ceremony, praising the city’s renowned and diverse food scene. Johnson also touted Chicago as a welcoming city for all, including illegal immigrants who have played an incredible role in the restaurant industry.

Potashnick hopes to use the recognition to uplift other Chicago chefs and restaurants, shouting out local inspirations like Logan Square’s Lula Cafe and chefs Rick Bayless and Sarah Stegner.

Original reporting: Block Club Chicago — read the source article.