Two acclaimed chefs from the Upper West Side have recently achieved semifinalist status for the prestigious James Beard Award. This recognition highlights their culinary contributions in a highly competitive landscape.
Upper West Side Chefs Recognized for James Beard Award Semifinalist Honors
The James Beard Awards are among the highest honors in the culinary arts. This year, the semifinalists were announced, and among them are Christophe Bellanca and Kwame Onwuachi. The winners will be revealed on March 31, with the ceremony scheduled for June 15 in Chicago.
Christophe Bellanca of Essential by Christophe
- Location: 103 West 77th Street, New York City
- Category: Best Chef: New York State
- Restaurant: Essential by Christophe, established in 2022
- Award History: Michelin star for two consecutive years
Bellanca oversees Essential by Christophe, a French restaurant housed in an Upper West Side townhouse. The venue previously hosted the notable restaurant Dovetail, which also received a Michelin star during its operation.
Originally from Ardeche, France, Bellanca boasts a rich culinary background. His previous roles include head chef positions at renowned establishments such as Le Cirque and L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon.
Kwame Onwuachi of Tatiana
- Location: 10 Lincoln Center Plaza, New York City
- Category: Outstanding Chef
- Award Recognition: Best restaurant in NYC (The New York Times, 2023 and 2024)
Kwame Onwuachi is recognized for his exceptional work at Tatiana. He gained fame as an alum of the popular television series “Top Chef.” His career includes executive chef roles in both Washington D.C. and New York City.
Tatiana was celebrated as the best restaurant in New York City for two consecutive years before dropping to 10th place in 2025 according to The New York Times. Onwuachi was also honored as the James Beard “Rising Star Chef” in 2019.
As the announcement draws closer, many in the culinary community will eagerly await the outcomes for both chefs in their respective categories.
