WA finalists for James Beard food award include this trendy Pullman restaurant and bar
A restaurant in Pullman has been nominated for a prestigious national culinary award, highlighting the eastern side of the state with the only Washington restaurant mentioned outside of Seattle. The nominees for the James Beard Foundation’s 2023 Restaurant and Chef Awards were selected for “pushing American food culture forward,” according to the press release.
The Black Cypress in Pullman is one of five finalists for the James Beard Outstanding Hospitality award. The establishments are being recognized for fostering “a sense of hospitality among its customers and staff, that serves as a beacon for the community, and demonstrates consistent excellence in food, atmosphere, hospitality, and operations, while contributing positively to its broader community.”
The Black Cypress describes itself as a New American and Mediterranean style restaurant with handmade cocktails in a cozy space. Its menu changes to “capture the flavors of the season.” Right now, appetizers include specialty dips and pork souvlakia, with entrees including carbonara, pomodoro and grilled portabella. It also offers a soup of the day, several salad options and a handful of desserts, including Doma drip coffee.
“The James Beard Awards celebrate outstanding achievement and exceptional culinary talent, as well as those doing incredible work on behalf of our communities and wider food system. This year’s nominees, winners, and honorees are inspiring exemplars of that,” stated James Beard Foundation CEO Clare Reichenbach in a press release.
Final winners will be announced before the annual awards ceremony in June.
The nominees were announced March 29, along with recognition for humanitarian and leadership award winners. The James Beard Foundation says nominees are recognized for exceptional talent paired with a proven commitment to “racial and gender equity, community, sustainability, and a culture where all can thrive.”
The James Beard Awards recognizes excellence across five programs. The first Restaurant and Chef Awards were presented in 1991. This year, there are 22 categories. Restaurants and chefs in Seattle were nominated for the Outstanding Restaurant, Outstanding Restaurateur, Outstanding Bar and Best Chef in the Northwest and Pacific award categories.
The awards ceremony will be June 5 at the Lyric Opera of Chicago. Tickets go on sale at 5 p.m. March 31 and are available online.
“I am honored to participate in these Awards that recognize our country’s extraordinary talent and showcase all those contributing to the richness and diversity of American food culture today,” said Adrian Miller, the Restaurant and Chef Awards committee chair, in a press release. “Congratulations to all of this year’s Restaurant and Chef Nominees.”
