The 2026 James Beard Award semifinalists have been announced, and two Virginia restaurants are among those mentioned. Known as the “Oscars of the food world,” the awards recognize excellence across the culinary and food media industries.
Outstanding Restaurateur
Scott Drewno and Danny Lee were selected as semifinalists in the Outstanding Restaurateur category. Their Fried Rice Collective portfolio includes CHĪKO, one of Northern Virginia Magazine‘s 2025 Best Restaurants. It has locations in Arlington and Sterling as well as two in DC.
In a 2025 interview, Lee told Northern Virginia Magazine that the pair, “just enjoyed each other’s cooking, and we thought that we could eventually work together. And that’s how CHĪKO was born.” Food critic Alice Levitt noted that CHĪKO’s “can’t-miss items include double-fried wings in spicy-sweet soy glaze and bulgogi tots that combine the Korean beef and fried potatoes with lots of spicy kimchi.”
Drewno and Lee were also named as semifinalists in the category last year.
Outstanding Wine and Other Beverages Program
Field & Main in Marshall is a James Beard semifinalist for Outstanding Wine and Other Beverages Program. The fine dining restaurant, which focuses on fresh, farm-to-table ingredients, has also been featured as a Northern Virginia Magazine Best Restaurant.
After visiting Field & Main, Levitt noted that, “Many restaurants claim to be farm-to-table. Here, chef-owner Neal Wavra uses his close community ties to craft menus to suit whatever comes in from his friends in the field each day. This extends to the wine program, with a list that features local grapes, but not to the point of overlooking great glasses from Europe, New Zealand, and elsewhere in the U.S.”
The James Beard restaurant and chef nominees will be announced on March 31. Winners will be celebrated at a June 15 awards ceremony in Chicago.
Feature photo of CHĪKO by Rey Lopez
