James Beard Awards 2023: Rural Maine Chef Takes Home Prestigious Prize
Lulu Ranta, owner and chef of The Quarry in rural Maine, has won the James Beard Award for Outstanding Hospitality. The Quarry was the only Maine finalist for the award. Ranta's Filipino twist on American favorites has made her restaurant a popular destination. She learned to cook in the Philippines and earned her culinary degree at 47 years old. Ranta was hired by the Libra Foundation to cook for artists in residency, and she created The Quarry to provide fine dining for the artists.