James Beard Awards returning to Chicago in 2016 and 2017

“The Oscars of the food industry”—the James Beard Foundation Awards Ceremony and Reception Gala—will extend its stay in Chicago for the next two years.

The first-ever James Beard Awards to be held outside of New York City will take place on May 4, 2015, at the Lyric Opera of Chicago.

“Ever since we announced last year that Chicago would host the JBF Restaurant and Chef Awards Gala for its 25th anniversary, our great city has been electric with excitement and anticipation,” Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel said in a prepared statement. “Chicago has a rich history with the Foundation, delivering restaurant and chef winners 23 out of 24 years, with more than 40 James Beard Award winners to date. We are so proud to be welcoming this most prestigious of events for two more years.”

The almost sold-out 2015 James Beard Foundation Awards will feature awards for the Restaurant and Chef and Restaurant Design categories, as well as special achievement awards including America’s Classics, Lifetime Achievement, Humanitarian of the Year, and Who’s Who of Food and Beverage in America. A gala reception will immediately follow, featuring top chefs and beverage professionals from across the country.

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