Chef David Uygur, center, with sous chefs Kevin Martin and Robert Baloga at Chefs for Farmers in November 2018. Photo courtesy of Lucia
Perhaps sixth times the charm?
Lucia chef David Uygur was named a James Beard semifinalist today in the Outstanding Chef category. It is his sixth time on a James Beard semifinalist list since Lucia opened in 2010. The restaurant was also named a finalist in the 2023 Outstanding Restaurant category.
The restaurant posted on social media they were “thrilled to learn” of Uygur’s latest nomination. Because Lucia is taking a winter break, Uygur could not immediately be reached for further comment.
According to the awards’ criteria, the Best Chef honor will be given to someone who “sets high culinary standards and has served as a positive example for other food professionals while contributing positively to their broader community.”
Uygur was one of 20 chefs named as a semifinalist, and one of two chefs named from Texas.
“As we’ve heard time and again from honorees, receiving this recognition has the potential to be truly transformative,” said Clare Reichenbach, CEO of the James Beard Foundation, in a statement.
Finalists for the award known as the Oscars of the food world will be announced April 3, and winners will be presented June 10.
