Two Connecticut chefs and one restaurant named as finalists for James Beard awards
Two Connecticut chefs and one restaurant were recognized as finalists for the 2026 James Beard awards, which were announced Tuesday morning.
David Standridge, a chef at The Shipwright’s Daughter in Mystic, is a finalist for the Outstanding Chef category, which recognizes chefs nationwide.
David DiStasi of Materia Ristorante in Bantam is a finalist in the Best Chef of the Northeast category, which honors chefs from Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont.
Mystic is also represented in another category: the Outstanding Wine and Other Beverages Program. The Port of Call is a member of that group, which has nationwide restaurants on its list.
The semifinalists were announced in early February. Four Connecticut chefs and two restaurants were named as semifinalists.
The awards are scheduled to be presented on June 15 in Chicago.
Click here to see the full list of finalists.
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