James Beard Award Finalists Announced, Including Oklahoma City and Kansas City-Area Chefs and Restaurants.

Two chefs from Oklahoma City, Andrew Black and Jeff Chanchaleune, have been named finalists for the James Beard Award in the southwest region, which includes Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada, and Oklahoma. The James Beard Award recognizes exceptional talent in the culinary and food media industry and demonstrates a commitment to racial and gender equity, community, sustainability, and a culture where all can thrive. The winners will be celebrated at the James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards Ceremony on Monday, June 5, at the Lyric Opera of Chicago.