South FL Chef Wins James Beard Award
Valerie Chang, executive chef and owner of Maty's in Miami, was honored at Monday's James Beard Foundation Awards. Peruvian-born chef and owner of Maty's in Miami, Chang, won the James Beard Award for Best Chef: South. The awards, known as the Academy Awards of the U.S. restaurant industry, recognise excellence across a range of categories. Chang, who grew up in Peru and moved to the Miami area when she was 10 years old, opened Maty’s last year to celebrate her family's roots. The Restaurant and Chef Awards winners are recognized across 22 categories.
Published : 10 months ago by Tiffany Razzano in Lifestyle
The awards, regarded as the Academy Awards of the U.S. restaurant industry, honor excellence across a range of categories, from fine dining to casual gems. The Peruvian-born Chang, who owns Maty’s in Miami, was named Best Chef: South.
“These remarkable individuals embody the very essence of our Good Food for Good ethos, showcasing exceptional talent, unwavering dedication to their craft, and a steadfast commitment to elevating the industry,” James Beard Foundation CEO Clare Reichenbach said in a news release. “With their passion, skill, and leadership, they are shaping our nation's dining landscape and setting a new standard for culinary excellence.” Established in 1990, with the first ceremony taking place in 1991, the Restaurant and Chef Awards is one of five separate recognition programs for the foundation’s awards.
The 2024 Restaurant and Chef Awards winners are recognized across 22 categories. Chang, who grew up in Chiclayo, Peru, moved to the Miami area with her parents when she was 10 years old, according to Eater Miami. She opened Maty’s, named after her grandmother, last year to pay homage to her family’s roots.
“The food that created me will be the food created here,” she told the publication. “Maty’s will be about celebrating Peruvian cuisine, not reimagining or redefining it.” Chang also co-created Miami’s Itamae restaurant with her father and brother.