By: Nathan Chen
Immigrants have been instrumental in shaping the culinary landscape of America, and now they are dominating top culinary awards. From chefs to restaurateurs, immigrants have brought unique flavors and recipes that have transformed American cuisine.
The James Beard Foundation Awards considered the most prestigious culinary awards in the United States, have clearly reflected this trend. In the past few years, many immigrant chefs and restaurants have been recognized in various categories, including Best Chef and Best New Restaurant.
Among the winners, this year is Chef Dominique Crenn, who hails from France and was the first female chef in America to receive three Michelin stars, and the Israeli-born chef Alon Shaya, whose eponymous New Orleans restaurant won the Best New Restaurant award in 2016.
Immigrant-owned and operated restaurants have also been making their marks. The acclaimed LA restaurant Broken Spanish, owned by Mexican chef Ray Garcia, was nominated for the James Beard Best New Restaurant award in 2016. In 2019, the Brooklyn restaurant Di An Di, which is owned by Vietnamese-Americans Tuan Bui and Kim Hoang, was also nominated for the award.
Immigrants have not only added flavor to America's culinary scene but also made a significant economic contribution. According to a report from New American Economy, immigrants own more than half of all American restaurants and food businesses, generating a massive $80 billion in annual revenue.
"Innovative, imaginative, and entrepreneurial immigrants have always been essential to our country's growth and success," said Diane Portnoy, CEO of the Immigrant Learning Center. "It's inspiring to see their impact on American cuisine being recognized."
As America continues to become more diverse, it's clear that immigrants will continue to play a crucial role in shaping American cuisine and winning top culinary awards.