Minnesota Chefs Shine Bright in 2025 James Beard Awards Semifinals
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The culinary world is abuzz with excitement as the James Beard Foundation awards semifinalists have been announced, and Minnesota chefs are taking center stage. eleven talented individuals and establishments from the Twin Cities area have earned coveted spots on the prestigious list, marking a meaningful milestone for Minnesota’s thriving food scene.
“It’s incredible to witness how vital Minneapolis has become on the national culinary landscape,” remarked Gavin Kaysen, whose acclaimed restaurant Spoon and Stable received recognition. The James Beard Awards, widely regarded as the industry’s highest honors, celebrate excellence across the hospitality and food media landscape. This year, Minnesota chefs are making waves, with five Twin Cities representatives nominated in national categories.
Ann Ahmed, the visionary chef behind Khâluna in Minneapolis, is competing for the prestigious “Outstanding Chef” title. Mucci’s Italian in St. Paul earned a nomination for “Outstanding Hospitality,” while Spoon and Stable vies for “Outstanding Restaurant.” Minneapolis’ culinary scene is also generating buzz in the “Best New Restaurant” category with both Bûcheron and Vinai receiving well-deserved nods. Rounding out the national recognition, Bar Brava, a beloved minneapolis natural wine bar, has been included in the “Outstanding Wine Program” category.
“we’re absolutely thrilled,” shared Janas Ritter, co-owner of Bûcheron, upon receiving the news. “It’s incredibly exciting to see our friends—chefs we admire and respect—on this prestigious list. We’re truly honored to be included among such extraordinary company. We’re incredibly grateful for this recognition.”
The “Best Chef: Midwest” category showcases Minnesota’s diverse culinary talent, with nominees spanning Minneapolis and St. Paul. Shigeyuki Furukava of Kado no Mise and Diane Moua of Diane’s Place, both based in Minneapolis, will go head-to-head with Abraham Gessesse of Hyacinth and Myriel’s Karyn Tomlinson, both representing the culinary scene in St. Paul.Mateo Mackbee, the culinary force behind Krewe in St. Joseph, completes the list of Midwest nominees.
Minnesota Culinary Stars Shine in 2025 James Beard Awards semifinalists
The Twin Cities’ vibrant culinary scene continues to garner national recognition, with five Minnesota chefs nominated for prestigious James Beard Awards in 2025.Among them is Ann Ahmed, the brilliant mind behind the acclaimed restaurants Khâluna and Gai Noi.
Ahmed’s journey began with a deep love for Southeast Asian cuisine, inspired by her Laotian heritage and travels throughout the region. At khâluna, she celebrates the bold flavors and spices that define the cuisine, while Gai Noi offers a more modern and innovative take on traditional dishes, pushing the boundaries of what diners expect.
“My culinary journey began with my love for Southeast asian cuisine, inspired by my Laotian heritage and travels throughout the region,” Ahmed explains.)
“At Khâluna, we focus on the intense flavors and bold spices that define the cuisine, while Gai Noi brings a more modern and innovative take, pushing the boundaries of what peopel expect from Laotian and Thai dishes.”
Being named a semifinalist for the James Beard “Outstanding Chef” Award is a testament to her talent and dedication.
“It’s truly an honor,” Ahmed says. “I’m still pinching myself. To be included in this amazing group of chefs, many of whom I admire greatly, is humbling and incredibly exciting.”
The Twin Cities’ culinary scene has experienced a remarkable surge in recent years, attracting both local and national attention.
“The Twin Cities have always had a vibrant food scene, but it’s truly exploding right now,” Ahmed observes. “I think it’s a combination of factors – the incredible local ingredients we have access to, the city’s support for autonomous businesses, and the diverse cultural influences that make their way into our kitchens.As more people discover what we have to offer, the scene continues to grow and gain national attention.”
This flourishing culinary landscape has created a dynamic and inspiring habitat for chefs like Ahmed.the national recognition received by Minnesota chefs in the James Beard Awards is a powerful indicator of the state’s evolving culinary landscape and its emergence as a significant force in the American food scene.
Ann Ahmed: Championing Minnesota’s Culinary Scene
It’s a thrilling time for food enthusiasts in Minnesota.The state is experiencing a culinary renaissance, with talented chefs and restaurants gaining national recognition. Ann Ahmed, the visionary behind acclaimed Minneapolis eateries Khâluna and Gai noi, is at the forefront of this exciting movement.
Recently nominated as a semifinalist for the prestigious 2025 James Beard Award, ahmed’s innovative approach to Asian cuisine has garnered widespread acclaim. “It’s an incredibly exciting time for Minnesota cuisine,” she shares. “To see so many talented chefs and restaurants from our region represented in these prestigious awards is a testament to the hard work, passion, and creativity of our community. It’s also a fantastic prospect to showcase our unique culinary story to the rest of the country.”
Ahmed’s journey is a testament to her dedication and unwavering passion for food. She constantly seeks to refine her craft, pushing boundaries and exploring new flavors. “I’m constantly evolving and pushing myself to learn and grow as a chef,” she reveals. While she keeps her upcoming projects close to the vest, her excitement for the future is palpable. “I have some exciting plans for both Khâluna and Gai Noi, but I want to keep those under wraps for now. Suffice it to say, I can’t wait to see what the future holds for our team and our dishes.”
As Ahmed’s star continues to rise, her advice to aspiring chefs is both inspiring and practical. “never stop learning and never be afraid to take risks,” she emphasizes. “Surround yourself with people who inspire you and challenge you to grow. And most importantly, be true to yourself and your culinary vision. The rest will fall into place.”
Ann Ahmed’s success story is not just about individual achievement, it’s a reflection of the growing strength and diversity of the Minnesota culinary scene. Her dedication to her craft, her innovative spirit, and her genuine passion for food make her a true champion for her community and an inspiration to aspiring chefs across the country.
What initiatives or causes does Chef Ann Ahmed support?
[Archyde Exclusive Interview with Ann Ahmed]
archyde: Congratulations, Chef Ahmed, on being named a semifinalist for the James beard “Outstanding Chef” award! How does it feel to receive this amazing recognition?
Ann Ahmed: Thank you so much! It’s truly an honor. I’m still pinching myself. To be included in this amazing group of chefs, many of whom I admire greatly, is humbling and incredibly exciting. It’s a testament to the hard work and passion of our entire team at Khâluna and Gai Noi.
Archyde: Your passion for Southeast Asian cuisine, especially Laotian flavors, is evident in your dishes. Can you tell us about your culinary journey and how you’ve integrated your heritage into your cooking?
Ann Ahmed: Absolutely. My culinary journey began with my love for Southeast Asian cuisine, inspired by my Laotian heritage and travels throughout the region. I grew up eating my mother’s traditional Lao dishes, and those flavors have always been close to my heart.At Khâluna,we focus on the intense flavors and bold spices that define the cuisine,while Gai Noi brings a more modern and innovative take,pushing the boundaries of what people expect from Laotian and Thai dishes. It’s all about storytelling through food and preserving the essence of our culinary heritage.
Archyde: The Twin Cities’ culinary scene has experienced a remarkable surge in recent years. what do you think has contributed to this growth and national recognition?
Ann Ahmed: I think it’s a combination of factors. We have an incredible abundance of local ingredients here, which allows chefs to create innovative dishes that truly showcase the best of the Midwest.The cities also have a strong support system for autonomous businesses, encouraging entrepreneurship and creativity. Additionally, the diverse cultural landscape of the Twin Cities influences our food scene, bringing a richness and vibrancy that sets us apart. I believe all these elements combined have led to the surge in our culinary scene’s growth and recognition.
Archyde: Do you have any advice for young chefs looking to make thier mark in the culinary world?
Ann Ahmed: Stay true to yourself and your culinary voice. it’s critically important to explore diverse culinary landscapes, learn from others, and draw inspiration from various sources. But ultimately, your cooking should reflect your unique viewpoint and experiences. also, never stop learning and pushing yourself creatively. the culinary world is ever-evolving,and that’s what makes it so exciting.
Archyde: As a prominent figure in the Twin Cities culinary scene, what initiatives or causes do you support?
Ann Ahmed: Sustainability is a cause very close to my heart. I believe it’s crucial for us to respect and protect our planet, so we can continue to enjoy the incredible bounty it provides. I also support initiatives that promote diversity and inclusion in the culinary industry, as well as organizations that provide food security and education to underserved communities.
Archyde: Thank you for your time, Chef Ahmed, and congratulations once again on your James Beard Award nomination!
Ann Ahmed: thank you so much! It’s been a pleasure. I’m truly excited for this journey and look forward to continuing to share my love for Southeast Asian cuisine with the world.
