The James Beard Foundation on Wednesday announced the finalists for their 2024 awards and two Charleston chefs made the cut.
Chef Nikko Cagalanan of Kultura was named a finalist in the "Emerging Chef" category, while Chef James London of Chubby Fish is a finalist for "Best Chef: Southeast (GA, KY, NC, SC, TN, WV)."
Born and raised in the Philippines, Chef Cagalanan opened Kultura in the summer of 2023 and has quickly gained national recognition and local admiration. This nomination adds to his growing list of accolades including Eater’s Best New Restaurant List and the prestigious title of “Chopped. Champion” on the Food Network.
“I am humbled to be included in this year’s Emerging Chef category and am greatly inspired by my fellow nominees,” said Chef Cagalanan. “I’m counting down the days until the awards ceremony and can’t wait to be surrounded by such great culinary talent.”
Chef London was born in South Carolina and was drawn to cooking and fishing at a young age. After cooking his way through the College of Charleston he headed up to New York City where he attended The French Culinary Institute prior to completing an eight-year stint in the Big Apple. From there James moved to San Francisco before returning to Charleston in 2017 to open up his ode to sustainable seafood with Chubby Fish. The restaurant has garnered a Bon Appetit Best New Restaurant Nod in 2019, Charleston City Paper Best Chef 2020, and The Telegraph 25 Best New Restaurants in The United States 2023.
The Palmetto State had two other James Beard award finalists - Chef Robbie Robinson of City Limits Barbeque in Cayce is also a finalist for "Best Chef: Southeast" and Lula Drake Wine Parlour in Columbia hopes to win the "Outstanding Wine and Other Beverages Program" award.
Winners will be celebrated at the James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards ceremony on Monday, June 10th, 2024, at the Lyric Opera of Chicago. The Restaurant and Chef Awards will be livestreamed on Eater on Monday, June 10th. Nominees for the James Beard Foundation Media Awards will be released on Tuesday, April 30th, 2024.
You can view the entire list of finalists here.
Chubby Fish is located at 252 Coming Street, while Kultura can be found at 73 Spring Street, Unit A.