Chef del Prado Is National Semifinalist For Prestigious Award
In the five months since its opening on North 1st Street, Porzana has drawn consistently packed crowds, fanatical reviews and, now, recognition from the food industry’s highest echelon.
The James Beard Foundation Awards, known as the “Oscars of the food world,” just announced their 2024 semifinalists, and Porzana’s owner, chef Daniel del Prado, made the list in the Outstanding Chef category.
He’s one of 20 nominees nationally, alongside chefs from Aspen, New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco and many more.
The awards recognize exceptional talent and achievement in the culinary arts, hospitality, media, and broader food system, as well as a demonstrated commitment to racial and gender equity, community, sustainability, and a culture where all can thrive, according the foundation’s website.
Winners will be announced at a ceremony on June 10th at the Lyric Opera in Chicago.
By Mike Binkley, North Loop volunteer