2025 Restaurant and Chef Award semifinalists for the James Beard Awards:

OKC Area List:
Best Chef: Southwest (AZ, NM, NV, OK)
Olivier Bouzerand, Fait Maison, Edmond, OK
Tahnee Francis, Naija Wife Kitchen, Oklahoma City, OK
Kevin Lee, Birdie's, Edmond, OK
Eric Smith, The Crown, Oklahoma City, OK
Zack Walters, Sedalia's, Oklahoma City, OK

Outstanding Professional in Beverage Service:
Ian Bennett, The Study, Oklahoma City, OK

Outstanding Restaurant presented by Acqua Panna® Natural Spring Water
Nonesuch, Oklahoma City, OK

Outstanding Restaurateur
Elliot Nelson, McNellie's Group (McNellie's and others), Tulsa and Oklahoma City, OK

Love to see Naija Wife Kitchen nominated! Best of luck to them all!
I had never heard of the Crown or Fait Maison, and after seeing their menu and food photos, i understand why they are on this list. Those places are FAAAANCY!

Love to see Naija Wife Kitchen nominated! Best of luck to them all!
I had never heard of the Crown or Fait Maison, and after seeing their menu and food photos, i understand why they are on this list. Those places are FAAAANCY!

Fait Maison is really really fantastic ..

Fait Maison is really really fantastic ..

Yes. And The Crown is what used to be Pachinko on Western, they renamed themselves recently.

Yes. And The Crown is what used to be Pachinko on Western, they renamed themselves recently.

have you been to the crown?? if so how is it?

have you been to the crown?? if so how is it?

Not yet, it's on our shortlist of places to try very soon (but it's not that short of a list, so might take a while), but we ate there when it was Pachinko and we really liked it, had some interesting taste/flavor combinations that you usually don't see that worked pretty well, for the most part. Was a while ago, so don't remember exactly, and didn't write things down, and their menu has changed since then (and I believe we had a couple of their specials that night), and drinks were very craft-y and good, so no specifics I can give, sorry.

Not yet, it's on our shortlist of places to try very soon (but it's not that short of a list, so might take a while), but we ate there when it was Pachinko and we really liked it, had some interesting taste/flavor combinations that you usually don't see that worked pretty well, for the most part. Was a while ago, so don't remember exactly, and didn't write things down, and their menu has changed since then (and I believe we had a couple of their specials that night), and drinks were very craft-y and good, so no specifics I can give, sorry.

thank you it is on our list as well .

Great list! we have Reservations for the Crown for Valentine's day so looking forward to it. we also love the study

Can anyone tell me how the nomination process works? There are people in the food/restaurant industry who are amazing but never get on the list. What is the nomination process?

Can anyone tell me how the nomination process works? There are people in the food/restaurant industry who are amazing but never get on the list. What is the nomination process?

Nomination Process (https://jbf-media.s3.amazonaws.com/production/page/2024/9/27/092524_JBF_AWARDS_R&C_PROCESS.pdf)

I hope to see either Kevin or Zach win, it is nice to see good OKC metro representation.

I used to go to The Crown and The Study relatively often, but then had another kid so that put a time constraint on things. The Crown is great and I do recommend it. I’ve been able to walk in most times without a reservation most times. Their bartender is very good. Chef Eric is almost always there and you can often find him wandering the tables have in-depth discussions with the patrons. He has some very good stories, especially about VZD’s.

Ian Bennett is the only true sommelier I’ve come across in OKC. I’ve met people who are allegedly sommeliers, but his knowledge and ability to educate you and recommend wines is better than anyone else I’ve seen. He is also the only one I’ve met who can pair any wine with any food (i.e., not just steak or pasta—he once paired an excellent wine for me with one of Joey’s Pizzeria’s specialty pizzas and it was fantastic and something I would never have thought of). He allows you to bring food into the Study or have it delivered and if you tell him what you’ll be eating, he will find the perfect wine to go with it. He has a reputation for being kind of prickly, but I’ve never experienced it personally. Regardless, I strongly recommend going to The Study.

I don’t know, feels a little slanted to me. Some heavyweights around never get a mention. The process doesn’t outline the criteria needed for a nomination. Quite a bit unclear.

I used to go to The Crown and The Study relatively often, but then had another kid so that put a time constraint on things. The Crown is great and I do recommend it. I’ve been able to walk in most times without a reservation most times. Their bartender is very good. Chef Eric is almost always there and you can often find him wandering the tables have in-depth discussions with the patrons. He has some very good stories, especially about VZD’s.

Ian Bennett is the only true sommelier I’ve come across in OKC. I’ve met people who are allegedly sommeliers, but his knowledge and ability to educate you and recommend wines is better than anyone else I’ve seen. He is also the only one I’ve met who can pair any wine with any food (i.e., not just steak or pasta—he once paired an excellent wine for me with one of Joey’s Pizzeria’s specialty pizzas and it was fantastic and something I would never have thought of). He allows you to bring food into the Study or have it delivered and if you tell him what you’ll be eating, he will find the perfect wine to go with it. He has a reputation for being kind of prickly, but I’ve never experienced it personally. Regardless, I strongly recommend going to The Study.

Ian has been great all the way back to the original Ludivine days (and before ) ..

Can anyone tell me how the nomination process works? There are people in the food/restaurant industry who are amazing but never get on the list. What is the nomination process?

It's a combination of true talent and connections, hanging out with the right folks is very important. The James Beard Award relies on local critics . Just like any other awards, some talents will be overlooked, while some winners may be seen by many as undeserving. The best restaurants are those that stand the test of time, consistently stay busy, and are hardest to get a table. Best chefs are the chefs behind those restaurants.

It's a combination of true talent and connections, hanging out with the right folks is very important. The James Beard Award relies on local critics .
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So, it's political.

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So, it's political.

I mean Tahnee Francis of Naija Wife Kitchen didn't even know she had been recommended and wasn't aware of the nomination until she was tagged on instagram. It isn't always someone who is connected. It isn't always someone who has a fancy restaurant with a large staff. Sometimes it is a place hidden in the basement of a downtown building in their food court.

Who would you like to see nominated? It just seems like you want to be angry about the way things are done here.

I'm actually happy to see McNellies Group on the list! Been our favorite spot for 16 years.

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So, it's political.

Yes, it is very important to market yourself well and most winners were intentional about winning the award. It is certainly possible that you can win without trying but I think that is a major exception to the rule. Employing a publicist and being respected and liked by the right people is more important than your ability to open up a hotel restaurant smoothly.

It just seems like you want to be angry about the way things are done here.

Thank you for the armchair analysis. No, no dog in this fight but the process, if political, waters down the value of the award leading to a "who cares" viewpoint from the populous. At best the process appears nilly willy.
Personally, I think a real, heart felt accolade from Diners Drive ins, and Dives would sit better in my eyes than a JB award if I had a restaurant. I'm a in the park, picnic table kinda guy anyway.

Thank you for the armchair analysis. No, no dog in this fight but the process, if political, waters down the value of the award leading to a "who cares" viewpoint from the populous. At best the process appears nilly willy.
Personally, I think a real, heart felt accolade from Diners Drive ins, and Dives would sit better in my eyes than a JB award if I had a restaurant. I'm a in the park, picnic table kinda guy anyway.

It is confusing to me why you would even care to comment if you are in fact a "park, picnic table guy". It sounds like you would rather eat PB&J with some Potato Chips. More power to you, but do not hate on something you will never participate in. It is also telling that you could care less about local businesses that might see a benefit by merely being considered for the award. Don't you want your local restaurants to thrive if they make great food and have great service?

Yes, it is very important to market yourself well and most winners were intentional about winning the award. It is certainly possible that you can win without trying but I think that is a major exception to the rule. Employing a publicist and being respected and liked by the right people is more important than your ability to open up a hotel restaurant smoothly.

I see what you did that and I got a little giggle from it! :p

In the modern era, almost all awards are very heavily influenced by marketing, PR, and expensive campaigns.

And it makes sense since the financial payoff from even a nomination is something a business can mine for a very long time.

...

And it makes sense since the financial payoff from even a nomination is something a business can mine for a very long time.

Like how restaurants display their awards/nominations that they won many years ago (that might or might not have any bearing on what their quality is like now). :D

It is confusing to me why you would even care to comment if you are in fact a "park, picnic table guy". It sounds like you would rather eat PB&J with some Potato Chips. More power to you, but do not hate on something you will never participate in. It is also telling that you could care less about local businesses that might see a benefit by merely being considered for the award. Don't you want your local restaurants to thrive if they make great food and have great service?

Go back and read what I wrote. If the process is slanted then it devalues the award. Nothing more, nothing less. Do you not care about a fair process? I would be more apt to give weight to the population voting than a nilly willy process.

Like how restaurants display their awards/nominations that they won many years ago (that might or might not have any bearing on what their quality is like now). :D

Very much true.

Once a nominee or winner, always a nominee or winner.

Go back and read what I wrote. If the process is slanted then it devalues the award. Nothing more, nothing less. Do you not care about a fair process? I would be more apt to give weight to the population voting than a nilly willy process.

You are basically saying no award process is fair. Everything from the Oscars to the Science Fair in Grade School. Even when you have the public weigh in they could be swayed by relationships, ads, close proximity, price of a meal, etc. There are always factors that will make or break who wins an award. It will never be fair.

The Gazette use to do a voting process for best of OKC. You would see the same bars and restaurants every year. People rarely try something new in mass. It is usually a small group of people who have the loudest voices that will bring to light a great and unique new location.

You are basically saying no award process is fair. Everything from the Oscars to the Science Fair in Grade School. Even when you have the public weigh in they could be swayed by relationships, ads, close proximity, price of a meal, etc. There are always factors that will make or break who wins an award. It will never be fair. No, no I'm not. Sheesh.



The Gazette use to do a voting process for best of OKC. You would see the same bars and restaurants every year. People rarely try something new in mass. It is usually a small group of people who have the loudest voices that will bring to light a great and unique new location.

Something better could be thought up? Biased local food critics who favor certain restaurants/owners sounds less fair to me.

No, no I'm not. Sheesh.



Something better could be thought up? Biased local food critics who favor certain restaurants/owners sounds less fair to me.

All problems and no solutions. No answer to who you would like to see given recognition. I am done speaking with you on the matter, good luck with your PB&J.

All problems and no solutions. No answer to who you would like to see given recognition. I am done speaking with you on the matter, good luck with your PB&J.
Actually I’m partial to the All American Burger and fries cause Brad will sell no fries before their time. Can’t go wrong there. ��. Good luck with Miss Cleo

Actually I’m partial to the All American Burger and fries cause Brad will sell no fries before their time. Can’t go wrong there. ��. Good luck with Miss Cleo

Alright Hamilton!

Alright Hamilton!

Yeah ha ha ha!!

I feel like the owner of Little Mike’s Hamburgers on Expressway just highjacked this thread!

Yeah ha ha ha!!

All American Burger was a real local chain in L.A. that is now gone, but I ate there several times. I'm sure I wasn't the only one drawn by Fast Times.

Also, when I first moved out west I made sure to visit the Sherman Oaks Galleria (the fictional Ridgemont Mall), as all the business -- the theater, stereo store, etc. -- were also real operations. I went to Perry's Pizza, ordered a slice, and asked if Stacy Hamilton was working. Went right over the head of the cashier, which was probably a good thing. The mall isn't really a mall anymore; they chopped it up and have some restaurants but it's mostly office space, so no way to relive the Fast Times experience in the present.

All American Burger was a real local chain in L.A. that is now gone, but I ate there several times. I'm sure I wasn't the only one drawn by Fast Times.

Also, when I first moved out west I made sure to visit the Sherman Oaks Galleria (the fictional Ridgemont Mall), as all the business -- the theater, stereo store, etc. -- were also real operations. I went to Perry's Pizza, ordered a slice, and asked if Stacy Hamilton was working. Went right over the head of the cashier, which was probably a good thing. The mall isn't really a mall anymore; they chopped it up and have some restaurants but it's mostly office space, so no way to relive the Fast Times experience in the present.

Man I would have loved to do that, see that mall, ask if Stacy was working. Great story!

I will make an uncharacteristic heel turn and redirect this thread back to the controversy surrounding James Beard nominations. Some people in this thread are too focused on the fact that local influencers can have an impact on the outcome of the voting. While this is true, the local area can only do so much to influence the overall outcome of the awards. Oklahoma is currently grouped with Arizona, New Mexico and Nevada for the South West region for James Beard. Local influencers can only do so much and you do have to honestly deliver an exceptional experience consistently. While I am not a huge fan of one of our winners, they earned it. My personal bias is not onjective fact.

Separate from that Nonesuch has been nominated for one of the most outstanding restaurants in the country. This is a big deal for the city. Fait Maison and Grey Sweater are certainly expensive and premium experiences. Nonesuch has consistently delivered a better value, guest service, and culinary experience than either of them to me over the last several years. It is exciting to see the trajectory Oklahoma City restaurants are on.

Man, it's so awesome to see what the food/restaurant scene in Oklahoma has become. My wife and I moved from OKC about 2 years ago to SE Georgia, and then about a month and a half ago we moved to Lakeland Florida which is almost exactly halfway between Orlando and Tampa. While my wife lived in OKC about 13 years she never really liked living in Oklahoma, until we moved to the Paseo/23rd area for the last two years we were there and it won her over. Since we've left she can't stop talking about how great the food scene in OKC has become and even talks about all the places she misses now. Whenever we visit she lines up a strict itinerary of all the places we have to go eat at while we are there, and the list is always way longer than the time we have to be there. Even now living 45 minutes from either Tampa or Orlando, which are both littered with Michelin starred and Bib Gourmand restaurants, we both talk often about how much we miss the restaurants in OKC.

Truly awesome to see it continue to grow and especially see guys like Kevin Lee on the Food Network always repping OKC and the scene. And, seeing these announcements just shows that it continues to grow and is truly in the elite category in my mind. Makes me so proud of my hometown.

Anytime I go to a new city with a great culinary culture I try and look for the James Beard nominees. Especially the ones that are affordable and a cuisine I have not tried yet. I usually don’t look for the Michelin stars because it is usually out of my price range. I still love looking at what those places offer though and sometimes I am willing to fork over some money.

This is why it excites me so much to see people I know get nominated. People I have a ton of respect for get nominated here in OKC!

Congrats to Zack and the Sedalia's team...they punch way above their weight.

Congrats to Zack and the Sedalia's team...they punch way above their weight.

I keep waiting for a developer hungry for a good restaurant operator to give them a great deal and get them to move.

I know a big part of their charm is the intimate setting but it wouldn't surprise me if they were soon lured away.

That's interesting to think about...they've been able to turn some potential negatives (location, size) into opportunity...bet dependably filling up a small restaurant every night beats a half empty one too when trying to plan & budget.