Two Miami chefs among James Beard finalists

The James Beard Foundation announced Wednesday its finalists for the 2024 Restaurant and Chef Awards, and two Miami chefs made the cut.

Why it matters: The awards are considered the Oscars of the culinary world, and the finalists are chosen from a long list of semifinalists across nearly two dozen categories.

• Five Miami restaurants, bakeries and chefs were among this year's semifinalists .

Miami's finalists:

• Jesus Brazon and Manuel Brazon of Caracas Bakery in Doral and MiMo in the Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker category.
• Valerie Chang of Maty's in the Best Chef category.

Flashback: Chang earned a nomination in the same category alongside her brother and father, Nando and Fernando, respectively, while at the now-closed restaurant Itamae. Maty's is Valerie's first solo project.

What's next: The winners will be announced at the gala ceremony in Chicago in June.

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