The mission of the James Beard Awards is to 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.



Each year some of the brightest stars in the culinary world and food media are recognized at the annual James Beard Awards. In hospitality, it doesn't get any bigger! 

We were honored to host Corner Table Talk LIVE at the 2023 James Beard Awards in Chicago where we pull back the curtain to reveal the passion and drive of eight of the industry's finest. We hear firsthand what the night meant to them and add some super cool restaurants to check out if your travels take you to any one of these cities.

Chicago is a great host city. Our most memorable meal was at chef Erick Williams' outstanding Virtue Restaurant and Bar, also home of  Damarr Brown, Best Emerging Chef whose soulful cuisine including Shrimp and Grits had us convinced it gave LA-based Post & Beam's version a run for its money, Just sayin’.

Our guests include Gregory Gourdet's whose Haitian-inspired Kann  won Best New Restaurant, a beacon of cultural enlightenment, Chef JPBest Chef NY State from Atomix, whose journey from Korea to New York's culinary zenith is a tale of tenacity and talent, pastry artisan, and Margarita Manzke Outstanding Pastry Chef from LA-based Republique who was unable to attend the Awards but longtime staffer Kaley Shannon filled in and did a terrific job!

We also spoke with the inspiring Olivia Watkins and Karen Washington Humanitarian of the Year of New York City-based Black Farmer Fund, whose commitment to land stewardship and social equity is reshaping the agricultural narrative, the incomparable Ellen YinOutstanding Restaurateur of High Street Hospitality Group whose achievement is a testament to innovative spirit and community-building prowess, and the effervescent Chef Andrew BlackBest Chef Southwest, whose culinary ingenuity at Grey Sweater in Oklahoma City is matched only by his dedication to community upliftment. We topped off the evening with Rob Rubba of Oyster Oyster in Washington D.C, whose sustainable approach and heartfelt leadership won him the title of Outstanding Chef, proving that the path to culinary greatness is paved with purpose and integrity.

A huge thank you to Valerie Wilson and Mary Wagstaff of MMGY Wagstaff for helping us navigate access to this prestigious event. We have been fortunate to have an association with Wagstaff almost since its inception close to 25 years ago. They are committed professionals elevating the hospitality industry while building the careers of and garnering attention for chefs and restaurateurs. Finally, thank you to the James Beard Foundation and Choose Chicago for their support and assistance. We are very grateful!

Feast on the full VIDEO episode on the Corner Table Talk channel on YouTube for an immersive experience into the heart of culinary excellence, where ambition meets artistry, and every dish tells a story.

Instagram: Corner Table Talk  and Post and Beam Hospitality

LinkedIn: Brad Johnson Hospitality

E.Mail:  brad@postandbeamhospitality.com

For more information on host Brad Johnson or to join our mailing list, please visit: https://postandbeamhospitality.com/

Theme Music: Bryce Vine

Corner Table™ is a trademark of Post & Beam Hospitality LLC

<blockquote>
The mission of the <a href="https://www.jamesbeard.org/awards" data-cke-saved-href="https://www.jamesbeard.org/awards">James Beard Awards</a> is to 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.
</blockquote>
 
Each year some of the brightest stars in the culinary world and food media are recognized at the annual James Beard Awards. In hospitality, it doesn't get any bigger! 
We were honored to host Corner Table Talk LIVE at the 2023 James Beard Awards in Chicago where we pull back the curtain to reveal the passion and drive of eight of the industry's finest. We hear firsthand what the night meant to them and add some super cool restaurants to check out if your travels take you to any one of these cities.
Chicago is a great host city. Our most memorable meal was at chef Erick Williams' outstanding <a href="https://www.instagram.com/virtuerestaurantchi/" data-cke-saved-href="https://www.instagram.com/virtuerestaurantchi/">Virtue Restaurant and Bar</a>, also home of  <a href="https://www.instagram.com/browndamarr/" data-cke-saved-href="https://www.instagram.com/browndamarr/">Damarr Brown</a>, Best Emerging Chef whose soulful cuisine including Shrimp and Grits had us convinced it gave LA-based <a href="https://www.instagram.com/postandbeamla/" data-cke-saved-href="https://www.instagram.com/postandbeamla/">Post &amp; Beam</a>'s version a run for its money, Just sayin’.
Our guests include <a href="https://www.instagram.com/gg30000/" data-cke-saved-href="https://www.instagram.com/gg30000/">Gregory Gourdet's</a> whose Haitian-inspired <a href="https://www.instagram.com/kannrestaurant/" data-cke-saved-href="https://www.instagram.com/kannrestaurant/">Kann</a>  won Best New Restaurant, a beacon of cultural enlightenment, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/jparkato/" data-cke-saved-href="https://www.instagram.com/jparkato/">Chef JP</a> Best Chef NY State from <a href="https://www.instagram.com/atomixnyc/" data-cke-saved-href="https://www.instagram.com/atomixnyc/">Atomix</a>, whose journey from Korea to New York's culinary zenith is a tale of tenacity and talent, pastry artisan, and Margarita Manzke Outstanding Pastry Chef from LA-based <a href="https://www.instagram.com/republiquecafebakery/" data-cke-saved-href="https://www.instagram.com/republiquecafebakery/">Republique</a> who was unable to attend the Awards but longtime staffer <a href="https://www.instagram.com/kaleyshannon22/" data-cke-saved-href="https://www.instagram.com/kaleyshannon22/">Kaley Shannon</a> filled in and did a terrific job!
We also spoke with the inspiring Olivia Watkins and Karen Washington Humanitarian of the Year of New York City-based <a href="https://www.instagram.com/blackfarmerfund/" data-cke-saved-href="https://www.instagram.com/blackfarmerfund/">Black Farmer Fund</a>, whose commitment to land stewardship and social equity is reshaping the agricultural narrative, the incomparable <a href="https://www.instagram.com/therealellenyin/" data-cke-saved-href="https://www.instagram.com/therealellenyin/">Ellen Yin</a> Outstanding Restaurateur of <a href="https://www.instagram.com/highstreethospitality/" data-cke-saved-href="https://www.instagram.com/highstreethospitality/">High Street Hospitality Group</a> whose achievement is a testament to innovative spirit and community-building prowess, and the effervescent Chef <a href="https://www.instagram.com/chefandrewblack/" data-cke-saved-href="https://www.instagram.com/chefandrewblack/">Andrew Black</a> Best Chef Southwest, whose culinary ingenuity at <a href="https://www.instagram.com/greysweaterokc/" data-cke-saved-href="https://www.instagram.com/greysweaterokc/">Grey Sweater</a> in Oklahoma City is matched only by his dedication to community upliftment. We topped off the evening with <a href="https://www.instagram.com/robrubba/" data-cke-saved-href="https://www.instagram.com/robrubba/">Rob Rubba</a> of <a href="https://www.instagram.com/oysteroysterdc/" data-cke-saved-href="https://www.instagram.com/oysteroysterdc/">Oyster Oyster</a> in Washington D.C, whose sustainable approach and heartfelt leadership won him the title of Outstanding Chef, proving that the path to culinary greatness is paved with purpose and integrity.
A huge thank you to Valerie Wilson and Mary Wagstaff of <a href="https://wagstaffmktg.com/" data-cke-saved-href="https://wagstaffmktg.com/">MMGY Wagstaff </a>for helping us navigate access to this prestigious event. We have been fortunate to have an association with Wagstaff almost since its inception close to 25 years ago. They are committed professionals elevating the hospitality industry while building the careers of and garnering attention for chefs and restaurateurs. Finally, thank you to the <a href="https://www.instagram.com/beardfoundation/" data-cke-saved-href="https://www.instagram.com/beardfoundation/">James Beard Foundation </a>and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/choosechicago/" data-cke-saved-href="https://www.instagram.com/choosechicago/">Choose Chicago</a> for their support and assistance. We are very grateful!
Feast on the full VIDEO episode on the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@CornerTableTalk" data-cke-saved-href="https://www.youtube.com/@CornerTableTalk">Corner Table Talk channel on YouTube</a> for an immersive experience into the heart of culinary excellence, where ambition meets artistry, and every dish tells a story.
<hr>
Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/cornertabletalk/?hl=en">Corner Table Talk</a>  and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/postandbeamhospitality/?hl=en">Post and Beam Hospitality</a>
LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/brad-johnson-hospitality/">Brad Johnson Hospitality</a>
E.Mail:  <a href="mailto:brad@postandbeamhospitality.com">brad@postandbeamhospitality.com</a>
For more information on host Brad Johnson or to join our mailing list, please visit: <a href="https://postandbeamhospitality.com/">https://postandbeamhospitality.com/</a>
Theme Music: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/brycevine/?hl=en">Bryce Vine</a>
Corner Table™ is a trademark of Post &amp; Beam Hospitality LLC

After years of lowering the velvet rope and pulling out chairs on both coasts for countless guests, Brad Johnson puts his warm, present and welcoming hospitality skills to use as the host of Corner Table Talk, covering topics spanning FOOD + DRINK + CULTURE. Following the guest conversation, international speaker, writer, and diplomat Ambassador Shabazz (eldest daughter of Malcolm X and Dr. Betty Shabazz) spends a few moments unpacking the discussion and lets us in on some of the interesting people, places, and things that have her attention in HOW WE MOVE.

Brad Johnson’s career in hospitality began in the early 70s in the dish pit of his father’s renowned NYC restaurant, The Cellar, followed by his subsequent storied road creating high profile establishments, from the lavish LA nightclub The Roxbury (yes, that Roxbury) to the Melrose Avenue soulful hotspot, Georgia, and the James Beard Award-nominated Post & Beam.

Instagram: cornertabletalk and postandbeamhospitality

LinkedIn: Brad Johnson Hospitality

E.Mail:  brad@postandbeamhospitality.com

For more information on host Brad Johnson or to join our mailing list, please visit: https://postandbeamhospitality.com/

Theme Music: Bryce Vine

Corner Table™ is a trademark of Post & Beam Hospitality LLC

After years of lowering the velvet rope and pulling out chairs on both coasts for countless guests, Brad Johnson puts his warm, present and welcoming hospitality skills to use as the host of Corner Table Talk, covering topics spanning FOOD + DRINK + CULTURE. Following the guest conversation, international speaker, writer, and diplomat Ambassador Shabazz (eldest daughter of Malcolm X and Dr. Betty Shabazz) spends a few moments unpacking the discussion and lets us in on some of the interesting people, places, and things that have her attention in HOW WE MOVE.
<hr>
Brad Johnson’s career in hospitality began in the early 70s in the dish pit of his father’s renowned NYC restaurant, The Cellar, followed by his subsequent storied road creating high profile establishments, from the lavish LA nightclub The Roxbury (yes, that Roxbury) to the Melrose Avenue soulful hotspot, Georgia, and the James Beard Award-nominated Post &amp; Beam.
<hr>
Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/cornertabletalk/?hl=en">cornertabletalk</a> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/postandbeamhospitality/?hl=en">postandbeamhospitality</a>
LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/brad-johnson-hospitality/">Brad Johnson Hospitality</a>      <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/brad-johnson-hospitality/"></a>
E.Mail:  <a href="mailto:brad@postandbeamhospitality.com">brad@postandbeamhospitality.com</a>
For more information on host Brad Johnson or to join our mailing list, please visit: <a href="https://postandbeamhospitality.com/">https://postandbeamhospitality.com/</a>
Theme Music: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/brycevine/?hl=en">Bryce Vine</a>
Corner Table™ is a trademark of Post &amp; Beam Hospitality LLC

Corner Table Talk

After years of lowering the velvet rope and pulling out chairs on both coasts for countless guests, Brad Johnson puts his warm, present and welcoming hospitality skills to use as the host of Corner Table Talk, covering topics spanning FOOD + DRINK + CULTURE. Following the guest conversation, international speaker, writer, and diplomat Ambassador Shabazz (eldest daughter of Malcolm X and Dr. Betty Shabazz) spends a few moments unpacking the discussion and lets us in on some of the interesting people, places, and things that have her attention in HOW WE MOVE.

Brad Johnson’s career in hospitality began in the early 70s in the dish pit of his father’s renowned NYC restaurant, The Cellar, followed by his subsequent storied road creating high profile establishments, from the lavish LA nightclub The Roxbury (yes, that Roxbury) to the Melrose Avenue soulful hotspot, Georgia, and the James Beard Award-nominated Post & Beam.

Instagram: cornertabletalk and postandbeamhospitality

LinkedIn: Brad Johnson

E.Mail:  brad@postandbeamhospitality.com

For more information on host Brad Johnson or to join our mailing list, please visit: https://postandbeamhospitality.com/

Theme Music: Bryce Vine

Corner Table™ is a trademark of Post & Beam Hospitality LLC

After years of lowering the velvet rope and pulling out chairs on both coasts for countless guests, Brad Johnson puts his warm, present and welcoming hospitality skills to use as the host of Corner Table Talk, covering topics spanning FOOD + DRINK + CULTURE. Following the guest conversation, international speaker, writer, and diplomat Ambassador Shabazz (eldest daughter of Malcolm X and Dr. Betty Shabazz) spends a few moments unpacking the discussion and lets us in on some of the interesting people, places, and things that have her attention in HOW WE MOVE.
<hr>
Brad Johnson’s career in hospitality began in the early 70s in the dish pit of his father’s renowned NYC restaurant, The Cellar, followed by his subsequent storied road creating high profile establishments, from the lavish LA nightclub The Roxbury (yes, that Roxbury) to the Melrose Avenue soulful hotspot, Georgia, and the James Beard Award-nominated Post &amp; Beam.
<hr>
Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/cornertabletalk/?hl=en">cornertabletalk</a> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/postandbeamhospitality/?hl=en">postandbeamhospitality</a>
LinkedIn: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/brad-johnson-hospitality/">Brad Johnson</a>      <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/brad-johnson-hospitality/"></a>
E.Mail:  <a href="mailto:brad@postandbeamhospitality.com">brad@postandbeamhospitality.com</a>
For more information on host Brad Johnson or to join our mailing list, please visit: <a href="https://postandbeamhospitality.com/">https://postandbeamhospitality.com/</a>
Theme Music: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/brycevine/?hl=en">Bryce Vine</a>
Corner Table™ is a trademark of Post &amp; Beam Hospitality LLC

Advertisement