james Beard Recognized Chefs
Since 2022, Oklahoma City’s culinary scene has seen a surge of recognition from the prestigious James Beard Foundation — with multiple nominations, several finalist nods and an American Classics and Best Chef Southwest win. Below are the Oklahoma City chefs recognized by the Beard Foundation judges, along with two beverage programs and one restaurant that have also earned nominations. Leading the way was Florence Jones , the founder and owner of the eponymously named Florence’s, who made history in 2022 as Oklahoma’s first James Beard Award winner under the American Classics category. In her 90s, Jones no longer works in the kitchen of her northeast-side spot, known for what she insists is “country cooking,” or what locals tend to call soul food by another name.
Andrew Black is the Best Chef Southwest 2023 for his work at Grey Sweater, a fine dining tasting menu restaurant in the historic Deep Deuce District. Black was a two-time semifinalist, once for Outstanding Chef in addition to his win. Grey Sweater’s sister restaurant Dougla Kitchen is next door, and the focus there is on the kind of Caribbean food that shaped Black’s palate as a child. The name comes from a term used in Trinidad to describe someone of mixed Desi and African heritage. It’s an homage to his grandmother Elizabeth, who inspired his culinary career. Dougla Kitchen is Chef Black returning to his roots and elevating the traditional food of his childhood. His other spot is Perle Mesta in the Skirvin Hilton downtown. The stunning interior offers diners a lovely backdrop for Perle Mesta’s breakfast through dinner services.
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