Diverse dishes representing Rhode Island's culinary innovation at the James Beard Awards 2025
Rhode Island made history at the 2025 James Beard Foundation Awards with four chefs nominated as semifinalists, leading to multiple finalists including Sky Haneul Kim from Gift Horse, who won Best Chef: Northeast. Other notable finalists include Nikhil Naiker, Derek Wagner, and Christopher Pfail. The awards celebrate exceptional culinary talent and highlight Rhode Island’s growing recognition on the national food scene, showcasing innovative approaches and local flavors.
The 2025 James Beard Foundation Awards, often referred to as the “Oscars of the food world,” held on June 16 in Chicago, saw Sky Haneul Kim of Gift Horse awarded the prestigious title of Best Chef: Northeast. This recognition highlights a remarkable achievement for the state of Rhode Island, which had an impressive showing at this year’s awards.
Rhode Island had four chefs and restaurants nominated as semifinalists, marking the first time in history that this number advanced to the finalist stage. In addition to Kim’s accolade, other finalists included Nikhil Naiker of Nimki, Derek Wagner of Nicks on Broadway, and Oberlin led by Chef de Cuisine Christopher Pfail.
Gift Horse, under Kim’s leadership, is celebrated for its innovative culinary approach that fuses Asian cuisine with New England-sourced ingredients, specifically emphasizing Rhode Island’s rich seafood offerings. Kim previously received notice as a semifinalist in the Emerging Chef category in 2024, making his 2025 recognition particularly significant.
In the case of Derek Wagner, chef-owner of Nicks on Broadway, this year represented a breakthrough, as he has been a semifinalist multiple times but reached the finalist stage for the first time. Wagner is known for his commitment to utilizing local produce and highlighting seasonal flavors, contributing to the establishment’s esteemed reputation.
Nikhil Naiker’s nomination for the Emerging Chef category serves as a significant acknowledgment for his restaurant, Nimki. Offering a unique blend of “New England tropical” cuisine inspired by his Fijian Indian heritage, Naiker’s culinary style has garnered attention for its innovative approach and rich flavors.
Oberlin, an establishment recognized in the Outstanding Restaurant category, is co-owned by Ben Sukle and Bethany Caliaro, reflecting a commitment to sustainable practices and locally sourced ingredients. Under Pfail’s direction, Oberlin has carved a niche for itself in the Rhode Island dining scene, showcasing artistic and thoughtfully composed dishes.
The James Beard Awards celebrate exceptional talent in the culinary field and the food media industries while emphasizing a commitment to equity and sustainability. This year, the ceremony not only marked the 35th anniversary of the awards but also acknowledged the evolution of American food culture, highlighting diverse talents and novel culinary ideas across the country.
The prestigious nature of these awards is reflected in the national attention they bring to both winners and nominees alike. The Illinois event gathered notable chefs and restaurants from across the United States, fostering a sense of camaraderie among culinary professionals.
Rhode Island, known for its rich culinary landscape, has increasingly gained recognition on national platforms. The James Beard Foundation Awards serve as a valuable indicator of talent and innovation in the industry. As chefs in the state continue to push boundaries and embrace local flavors, the spotlight on Rhode Island’s culinary scene has grown, creating a lasting impact on American food culture.
Overall, the success of Rhode Island chefs and restaurants at the 2025 James Beard Foundation Awards illustrates the state’s rich culinary heritage and the growing recognition of its chefs on a national level. The achievements of these chefs not only enhance their individual restaurants’ profiles but also contribute to the broader narrative of Rhode Island’s place in the culinary world.
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