At the 35th annual James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards, Clare Reichenbach emphasized the vital contributions of immigrants in American cuisine. Notably, JinJu Patisserie, owned by Korean-born chefs Jin Caldwell and Kyurim Lee, won Outstanding Bakery, marking Portland's first award of the evening. Also recognized was Timothy Wastell from Antica Terra for Best Chef: Northwest and Pacific. Since its founding in 2019, JinJu has captivated diners with its exquisite pastries, incorporating unique flavors and local Oregon ingredients; the award highlights the bakery's deep ties to the Portland community.
Standing onstage Monday, flanked by Caldwell, Lee thanked the 'amazing, amazing Portland community,' dedicating the award to the city and even shouting out Portland Monthly's Karen Brooks.
Wastell was a first-time semifinalist in 2025, and a somewhat unusual one at that: Unlike many in the best chef categories, Wastell does not work at a restaurant, instead plating a tasting menu to pair with the nationally celebrated winery's tasting flights.
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