Hawai‘i Chefs Make Semifinalist List for James Beard Awards

Hekka, available at Lineage at The Shops at Wailea. Courtesy photo.

Several Hawai‘i restaurants and chefs made this year’s list of semifinalists for the distinguished James Beard Awards. James Beard Foundation announced the 2019 semifinalists on Wednesday, Feb. 27, 2019.

Lineage in Wailea, a concept by local chef Sheldon Simeon, is up for Best New Restaurant.

Learn more about the recently opened spot in our Restaurant Week Wailea video on Lineage.

Ed Kenney, the chef behind Town, Mud Hen Water, Kaimuki Superette and Mahina & Suns, is on the list for “Outstanding Restaurateur.”

Chris Kajioka and Anthony Rush, co-owners of Senia, are up for “Best Chefs” in the Western region.

See Kajioka in Maui Now’s 2017 Hawai‘i Food & Wine Festival video with Kiaora Bohlool.

Michelle Karr-Ueoka of MW Restaurant in Honolulu is a semifinalist for “Outstanding Pastry Chef;” watch Maui Now’s video with Karr-Ueoka from the 2016 Hawai‘i Food & Wine Festival.

The final candidates will be announced on March 27 and the James Beard Awards Gala will happen on May 6 in Chicago.