An eclectic mix of restaurants and chefs are vying for the coveted James Beard Awards

From Seattle pho shops to an East African eatery in Detroit, an eclectic mix of restaurants and chefs are vying for the coveted James Beard Awards, which will be announced Monday at a Chicago ceremony. Dozens of restaurants and chefs are finalists in 22 categories for the culinary world’s equivalent of the Oscars. For restaurants and chefs, just being a finalist can bring wide recognition outside their geographic area and boost business. The most-anticipated categories include awards for outstanding restaurateur, chef and restaurant. The James Beard Foundation started bestowing the awards in 1991.