Talk about expectations…
The Grammy’s of American food are over for 2018, and once again – a completely underrated foodie city has taken top prizes at the James Beard Awards. Cheers to that! That’s right America: you don’t need to jet off to New York, San Francisco, Las Vegas or LA to have an otherworldly dining sensation. The best new restaurant in America is in Seattle, and the best chef in the Northwest United States is too, which means 48 hours in the city just won’t be enough.
JuneBaby of Seattle has been named the best new restaurant in America, according to the 2018 James Beard Awards, which are pretty much… everything. The restaurant brings Southern “soul food” to the Pacific Northwest, with a powerful message to accompany the bold, historic flavors rooted in hardship. From pigs ear to pimento cheese, fried catfish and cornbread, you’d be easily excused for thinking you’re in a heavenly kitchen of the deep South. This restaurant may be semi new to the scene (it did also win an Eater award in 2017), but chef/owner Edouardo Jordan is no stranger to the spotlight. After all, he won Food & Wine’s best chef award in 2016 for JuneBaby sister restaurant, Salare – also in Seattle.
“Southern cuisine has always had and continues to have stereotypical connotations. Seen through the eyes of most Americans as inferior, unsophisticated, and unhealthy, Southern food reflects hard times and resourcefulness and is nothing short of beautiful. It is a cuisine to be respected and celebrated.”
It’s been a great week for Edouardo Jordan, and you’re about to find out why. Not only did his beloved JuneBaby restaurant win best new restaurant, Mr. Jordan upheld another incredible feat. Edouardo took home the title of best chef in the Northwest, for his work at his OTHER restaurant, the celebrated: Salare. That’s right – Edouardo Jordan has the best “new” restaurant in America, and is also the best chef in the Northwest. Not bad for a weeks work.
Has there ever been a better time to visit Seattle?
Featured image copyright: Suzi Pratt – Eater.
