Winners of The James Beard Foundation Awards are nominated and voted upon by culinary and journalism professionals. Results are kept confidential until the Awards night. Winners receive a bronzed medallion engraved with the image of James Beard. The Awards are open to any food or beverage industry professional who meet the entry criteria. Applications will be available in October 1996.
Membership is open to both food and beverage professionals and consumers alike.
The working chef in America whose career has set national industry standards and who has served as an inspiration to other food professionals. Must have been a working chef for the past five years. The restaurant in the U.S. that serves as a national standard bearer of consistency of quality and excellence in food, atmosphere and service. Restaurant must have been in operation for the past ten years. A restaurant opened in 1995 that already displays excellence in food, beverage and service and is likely to make a significant impact in years to come.