"On Wednesday, Jan. 21, the James Beard Foundation (JBF) announced the 2026 James Beard Award semifinalists. These annual awards, the JBF site proclaims, "represent the pinnacle of culinary recognition in the U.S." East Bay culinary artists, once again, made the cut. This long lead announcement provokes the public's interest for the better part of six months. Finalist info arrives on March 31 followed by a June 15 winner-take-all ceremony in Chicago."
"Sun Moon Studio's dining room only accommodates a handful of diners. Sarah Cooper and Alan Hsu's restaurant is located on the lower floor of an unassuming building on Union Street. During the day, that part of Oakland is pretty sedate. But at night a golden glow emanates from Sun Moon's window. It's an indication that good seasonal cooking is taking place inside."
The James Beard Foundation announced the 2026 semifinalists on Jan. 21. The awards represent the pinnacle of culinary recognition in the U.S. East Bay chefs made the semifinals, with three nominees working in Oakland. California has a Best Chef by Region category with 20 nominees. Sun Moon Studio is a small Union Street restaurant run by Sarah Cooper and Alan Hsu that earned a Michelin star and appeared on New York Times and Bon Appétit lists. Reservations are required weeks in advance. Sun Moon will pop up at The Happy Crane on Feb. 11 for Lunar New Year. Finalist names are due March 31; winners are announced June 15 in Chicago.
Read at East Bay Express | Oakland, Berkeley & Alameda
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