Maine’s Culinary Excellence: Meet the 10 Semifinalists for the 2025 James Beard Awards

Maine has earned very respectable representation in this year's James Beard Awards.

Maine has chefs, restaurateurs, restaurants, bakers, and bakeries represented in this year's semifinals.

The James Beard Award

Based in New York, the James Beard Awards recognize the greatest in culinary achievement. The goal is...

to recognize exceptional talent and achievement in the culinary arts, hospitality, media, and broader food system, as well as a demonstrated commitment to racial and gender equity, community, sustainability, and a culture where all can thrive.

These are world-class awards. Besides a Michelin Star, the James Beard Awards are the cream of the crop. To even be nominated is a tremendous accomplishment.

James Beard Award Maine Nominees

Maine is represented in the James Beard Award semifinals by 10 nominees. While Portland restaurants have the most nominations, seven different towns are represented.

Mary Allen Lindemann from Coffee by Design in Portland is up for "Outstanding Professional in Beverage Service." Meanwhile, The Jewel Box's Nathaniel Meiklejohn is a semifinalist for "Outstanding Professional in Cocktail Service."

The crew at Taj Indian Cuisine is a semifinalist for the "Outstanding Hospitality" award.

Three chefs are up for "Best Chef, Northeast," those being Jake Stevens from Leeward, Jordan Rubin of Mr. Tuna, and Lee Frank from Lee Frank's.

Havana, which can be found up in Bar Harbor, is up for "Outstanding Restaurant."

Maine has one "Emerging Chef" award nominee. That went to Jason Eckerson and Kate Hamm, both from the popular Biddeford joint, Fish & Whistle.

The Abbey, a very popular spot in Brunswick got a nomination for "Best New Bar."

And last, but certainly not least, Brant Dadaleares of Gross Confection Bar in Portland is up for "Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker."

The finalists will be announced on April 2, with the winners being awarded and celebrated later this year at the Lyric Opera in Chicago on June 16.

Below is a closer look at Maine's semifinalists.