Chef Christina Nguyen of Hai Hai wins James Beard for Best Chef Midwest
This year was the third time Nguyen was named a James Beard Award finalist. Chef Christina Nguyen of Hai Hai in Minneapolis has won the James Beard Award for Best Chef Midwest at the annual James Beard Foundation Award ceremony in Chicago. This marks the third time Nguyen has been named a finalist for the award. She used her speech to thank her parents, who came to the US as refugees from Vietnam and taught her that anything is possible. She also acknowledged the value of immigrant food. This year's winner beat out fellow Minneapolis chef Ann Ahmed of Khâluna. Minneapolis' Oro by Nixta was also up for Best New Restaurant, but lost out to a New Orleans restaurant.
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This year was the third time Nguyen was named a James Beard Award finalist.
CHICAGO — For Chef Christina Nguyen of Hai Hai in Minneapolis, the third time was the charm.
The owner and chef for the Southeast Asian-style restaurant was named Best Chef Midwest at Monday's James Beard Foundation Award ceremony in Chicago.
Nguyen used her speech to thank her parents, who came to the United States as refugees from Vietnam.
"They had to start their lives over from scratch when they moved here with no warning," said Nguyen while wiping away tears. "They taught me that anything is possible. To not be afraid."
She also thanked the James Beard Foundation for recognizing the value of immigrant food.
"When we started our restaurants, the most that a Southeast Asian restaurant could ever hope for was best cheap eats," Nguyen said. "I feel like we've come a long way."
This year marked the third time she was named a finalist after being named a finalist in 2019 and 2020. On Monday, Nguyen beat out fellow Minneapolis chef Ann Ahmed of Khâluna. Minneapolis' Oro by Nixta was also up for Best New Restaurant, but was ultimately beat out by a New Orleans restaurant called Dakar NOLA.
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Konular: Food & Drink