Evans is a Finalist for James Beard Best Chef South

The James Beard Foundation® has announced its 2024 Lifetime Achievement, Humanitarian of the Year, and Leadership Awards honorees, and Restaurant and Chef Awards nominees in advance of the James Beard Awards® ceremonies presented by Capital One.

Jackson Chef Hunter Evans (Elvie's) has made the finalists' list for Best Chef South (AL, AR, FL, LA, MS, PR). His fellow honorees include Valerie Chang, Maty's, Miami, FL; Gabriel Hernandez, Verde Mesa, San Juan, PR; Carlos Portela, Orujo, San Juan, PR; and Arvinder Vilkhu, Saffron, New Orleans, LA.

The full list of honorees and nominees can be found here.

"We are so very thankful to have been chosen as a Finalist for this year’s Beard Foundation Awards," said Elvie's on Facebook! "We truly believe that this is a result of the incredibly hard work that our small team puts forth on a daily basis, and we’re so glad to have Hunter at the helm. Thanks to each of you who has come and supported our restaurant over these last 4 years, and cheers to so much more to come."

“Congratulations to all of our esteemed honorees and nominees on this remarkable achievement,” said Clare Reichenbach, CEO, James Beard Foundation. “Your vision, and continued dedication to excellence—both on and beyond the plate—make you true leaders of American culinary. Thank you for all you are doing to set a better standard for our industry and broader food system.”

“Despite so many ongoing challenges, this list is a positive reminder of the exceptional talent and dynamism of our industry—it gives me hope for the future of independent restaurants,” said Tanya Holland, Chair of the James Beard Awards Committee and member of the James Beard Foundation Board of Trustees. “As Awards Committee Chair, I am honored to congratulate each of you and look forward to celebrating together in Chicago this June.”

“It’s been wonderful to hear how Awards recognition has already benefited restaurants and businesses around the country. We look forward to continuing to use the Awards platform to highlight their impressive accomplishments and work in our industry.” said Dawn Padmore, VP of Awards, James Beard Foundation.
“Thank you to our committee members and judges for their work, and congratulations to all honorees and
nominees.”

The James Beard Awards, among the nation’s most prestigious honors in the culinary and food media industries, recognize exceptional talent as well as a demonstrated commitment to racial and gender equity, community, sustainability, and a culture where all can thrive.