With the Oscars, Grammys, and other notable awards ceremonies drawing closer accompanied by the release of the James Bears semifinalists and Michelin Guider announcements, it might feel like there is something is picking up an award or a nomination every week of late.
But while the others pay homage to creations from around the world or the country, the Jean Banchet Awards are Chicago-specific, celebrating the city’s vibrant food scene each year with a range of categories honoring Chicago’s best chefs and restaurants.
On Sunday, January 28, the Chicago culinary community came together at a ceremony at Venue SIX10 to witness the winners of this year’s 2024 Jean Banchet Awards — named after the legendary chef at the French institution Le Francais in Wheeling.
Notable triumphs came in the form of the Michelin-starred Middle Eastern restaurant Galit winning Restaurant of the Year and progressive Indian fine dining spot Indienne being named Best New Restaurant.
Meanwhile, one of Chicago’s best places for tacos, Rubi’s on 18th, was awarded Heritage Restaurant of the Year and one of Chicago’s most unique sushi restaurants, The Omakase Room at Sushi-san, won the Best Restaurant Design category.
The full list of winners was as follows:
Restaurants and Bars
- Restaurant of the Year – Galit
- Best New Restaurant – Indienne
- Neighborhood Restaurant of the Year – Pompette
- Best Restaurant Design – The Omakase Room at Sushi-san
- Heritage Restaurant of the Year – Rubi’s on 18th
- Bar of the Year – Best Intentions
- Best Counter Service – Omarcitos Latin Café
- Best Hospitality – Bronzeville Winery
Chefs
- Chef of the Year – Paul Virant (Vie, Vistro Prime, Gaijin)
- Rising Chef of the Year – Trevor Fleming, Emily Kraszyk, John Lupton (Warlord)
- Pastry Chef of the Year – Tatum Sinclair (S.K.Y., Valhalla, Apolonia)
- Sommelier of the Year – Christian Shaum (Bazaar Meat)
- Culinary Excellence of the Year Award – Phil Vettel
[Featured image courtesy of Galit]