The James Beard Awards are being handed out in Chicago Monday night to the best restaurants and chefs from around the country.Five local chefs and restaurants are nominated, including Galit in Lincoln Park for Outstanding restaurant and Kumiko in the West Loop for Outstanding Bar.

To kick off the 2025 James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards red carpet outside the Lyric Opera of Chicago, Kristen Reynolds, the new president and CEO of Choose Chicago, made it loud and clear: Chicago has every intention of keeping the coveted awards in the city.

Chicago restaurants including Oriole, Kumiko and Lem's Bar-B-Q won James Beard awards Monday night during a star-studded ceremony held at the Civic Opera House. Why it matters: The accolades can often bring in more business,