Manresa & Manresa Bread James Beard Award Finalists
Foodies rejoice! Manresa and Manresa Bread, both in Los Gatos, are making headlines again as James Beard award finalists. The James Beard Foundation presents these coveted “Oscars” of the culinary world to chefs, restaurateurs, authors, and print and broadcast journalists in the United States.
David Kinch of 3-Michelin star-rated Manresa is finalist for outstanding chef. To be chosen as a finalist for this category, a chef must have been working as a chef for past five years, set high culinary standards and have served as a positive example for other food professionals. Kinch is no stranger to this award. He’s been a James Beard award nominee and semi-finalist as far back as 2008 and won the award in 2010. Manresa is located at 320 Village Lane, Los Gatos.
Manresa Bread’s, Avery Ruzicka, has been chosen as a finalist in the outstanding baker category. To be nominated, a pastry chef or baker must demonstrate exceptional skill, integrity, and character in the preparation of desserts, pastries, or breads served in a retail bakery and they must have been working as a pastry chef or baker for the past five years. This is Ms. Ruzicka’s first time being nominated. Manresa Bread is located at 276 No. Santa Cruz Avenue in Los Gatos. The bakery has come a long way from its Palo Alto farmer’s market beginnings, recently opening its third bakery/café in downtown Campbell in addition to its location in Los Altos on State Street.
Renowned American cook, author, teacher, and TV personality, James Beard championed American cuisine and served as mentor to generations of skilled chefs and food aficionados.
A national not-for-profit based out of New York City, the James Beard Foundation was founded in 1986 after Beard’s death. The Foundation’s mission is to “celebrate, nurture, and honor chefs and other leaders making America’s food culture more delicious, diverse, and sustainable for everyone.”
Established in 1990, the James Beard awards are voted on by over 600 people including previous winners. Winners are announced at the gala, which is normally timed around James Beard’s birthday, that has been postponed to September 25 in Chicago.
