CHICAGO — A Minnesota-based restaurant and chef made headlines this week after winning two of the highest honors at the prestigious James Beard Awards, hosted in Chicago.
Bûcheron, a fine dining establishment in Minneapolis, secured the award for Best New Restaurant in the nation, standing out among nine other finalists from major food cities including Seattle and New York. Meanwhile, Karyn Tomlinson of Myriel, located in St. Paul, was named Best Chef: Midwest, topping a highly competitive category.
The announcement was made during the ceremony held Monday evening in downtown Chicago, where the culinary community gathered to celebrate excellence in food and hospitality. As reported by KARE 11, Tomlinson was the sole nominee from St. Paul and triumphed over two notable chefs from Minneapolis: Shigeyuki Furukawa of Kado no Mise and Diane Mouato of Diane’s Place.
Recognition for a Culinary Power Couple
Bûcheron is run by husband-and-wife team Adam and Jeanie Janas Ritter, who opened the restaurant just last year. Despite being a relatively new name on the scene, the Ritters have worked in the food industry for decades, earning a reputation for their focus on detail and customer experience.
“We’re incredibly proud of what we’ve built here,” Jeanie said in a statement reflecting on the journey that began when Bûcheron was first named a semifinalist back in January.
The award marks the restaurant’s first James Beard recognition — a major accomplishment for a team that has only recently entered the national spotlight.
A Landmark Moment for the Midwest Food Scene
Tomlinson’s win adds to a growing list of culinary achievements for the Midwest, with both Minneapolis and St. Paul continuing to assert their place among America’s top dining destinations. Her restaurant, Myriel, has been celebrated for its seasonal approach and neighborhood charm.
The awards highlighted the region’s talent in a field often dominated by East and West Coast restaurants. This recognition also reinforces Chicago’s role as a central stage for hosting major national food events.
Have you dined at Bûcheron or Myriel? What do you think makes Midwest cuisine stand out nationally? Share your favorite restaurant experiences with us at ChicagoSuburbanFamily.com.
