We've been waiting for this: the much anticipated James Beard Awards finalists were just announced and Miami gets a solid two nods this year.
Recognizing “exceptional talent and achievement in the culinary arts, hospitality, media and broader food system,” the final awards will be given out during a June 16 ceremony at the Lyric Opera House in Chicago.
Until then, you'll find us taking down cocktails at ViceVersa, which is nominated in the best new bar category. According to an official description of the awards, the entries are constituted by any wine, beer, cocktail or coffee bar (or any other business whose focus is on drinks) "that already demonstrates excellence in beverages, seems likely to make a significant impact in years to come, and demonstrates consistent excellence in the preparation of drinks, sourcing, service, hospitality, atmosphere and operations."
The moody aperitivo destination in Downtown Miami boasts an expertly curated menu of Italian-inspired cocktails and fortified wines—but you'd do well to come hungry, too: pasta, charcuterie and fresh catches for the raw bar feature on the food menu as well.
The second Miami nomination is in the best chef: south category. Nando Chang of Itamae AO competes in the section, a much-deserved nod, if you ask us.
Originally operating under the name Itamae, the restaurant was rebranded as Itamae AO in May 2024, now "a fiercely personal omakase-style counter in Midtown that costs $213 including tax and tip per seat," according to Time Out Miami's review.
We still have a few months until the official winners are announced but, for what it's worth, both Miami outposts have earned top marks in our minds.
Best New Bar
- Agency, Milwaukee, WI
- Bar Colette, Dallas, TX
- Identidad Cocktail Bar, San Juan, PR
- Merai, Brookline, MA
- ViceVersa, Miami, FL
Best Chef: South (AL, AR, FL, LA, MS, PR)
- Nando Chang, Itamae AO, Miami, FL
- Matthew Cooper, Conifer, Bentonville, AR
- Kevin Garcia, La Faena AgroCocina, Guaynabo, PR
- Angel David Moreno Zayas, El Gallo Pinto, Guayama, PR
- Rafael Rios, Yeyo’s El Alma de Mexico, Bentonville, AR