Awards Season is here!

Visit Fork, a James Beard award restaurant Philadelphia! On the heels of the most recent James Beard Foundation semi-finalist nominations, we wanted to explore what makes a restaurant one of the best  in Philadelphia, let alone the country! Our very own Ellen Yin was a finalist and nominated just last year as Outstanding Restauranteur. 

You can check out all of the best nominees from Philadelphia last year in this UWISHUNU article:https://www.uwishunu.com/2019/04/check-out-phillys-six-james-beard-award-nominated-restaurants-2019/

They credited us by saying, “Old City neighbors Fork and High Street on Market put the focus on fresh and seasonal flavors as part of restaurateur Ellen Yin’s High Street Hospitality Group, which is also nominated for its High Street on Hudson spinoff in New York City. Diners at Fork can indulge in seasonal menus of inventive New American dishes, while High Street on Market customers can pop in for a breakfast sandwich or sidle up to a communal dining table for lunch or dinner.”

Is it the service, the food, the ambience, the fearless leaders? We vote all of the above and when you visit James Beard’s own website, they lay out the entire process.

“Starting in 2019, the James Beard Awards open call for entry will begin on the first of October every year. Committees meet after deadlines close to the review the entries, confirm eligibility, and in some cases, make the first cut. Judges chosen by the committee then review and vote on the entries to determine the semifinalists, nominees and winners. 

Semifinalists for the Restaurant and Chef Awards are announced in late February. All Awards nominees (finalists) are announced in late March. Winners are announced at the Media Awards Dinner and James Beard Awards Gala in April and May, respectively.

Each award winner receives a certificate and a silver medallion engraved with the James Beard Foundation Awards insignia. Winners receive a complimentary professional membership for one year to the James Beard Foundation. Leadership Award honorees will receive a $10,000 prize that can be donated to a nonprofit organization of their choice. No other James Beard Awards carry cash prizes.”

Being  one of the best restaurants in Philadelphia is one thing, but beating out the best in the country  is a huge honor and we couldn’t thank the board enough for throwing a special and must deserved nod to our fearless leader, Ellen last year!