COLUMBIA, S.C. — The James Beard Foundation released the list of finalists for the prestigious 2024 James Beard Awards and two Columbia area establishments have made the list.
Robbie Robinson, of City Limits Barbeque in West Columbia, has been nominated doe Best Chef Southeast, and Lula Drake Wine Parlour on Main Street Columbia has been nominated for Outstanding Wine and Other Beverages Program.
This is the first nomination for Robinson --and only the second for a South Carolina barbeque pitmaster (Rodney Scott won the award in 2018) -- who specializes in Texas-style brisket and South Carolina barbecue. This is Lula Drake's second nomination in two years.
Hearing he had made the cut, Robinson said, "This was a huge team effort, grinding week after week, doing what we do. I am beyond excited for my family, my crew, my customers, and for West Columbia/Midlands/South Carolina."
“The Columbia region continues to show that we are a top-notch culinary destination as evidenced by this recognition of two James Beard nominees for the second year in a row,” said Bill Ellen, president and CEO of Experience Columbia SC. “We’re extremely proud that our restaurants and chefs stand out within the state of South Carolina and the broader Southeast region. This achievement is proof of the incredible culinary talent who call the Columbia region home. We wish both of our finalists the best and want them to know how proud we are of them.”
James Beard Award winners will be announced on June 10 at the Lyric Opera of Chicago. A complete list of finalists can be found here.
