A Cedar Rapids chef and an Italian dinner restaurant in Des Moines have been named James Beard semifinalists, marking the 35th anniversary of the prestigious awards. The annual ceremony celebrates culinary excellence across the country. Andy Schumacher, aBest Chef: Midwestnominee in 2025, ditched a career in medicine to pursue cooking after moving from New York to Iowa with his wife. Cobble Hill, his upscale Cedar Rapids restaurant, offers a fine dining experience with an urban vibe. Meanwhile, Simon’s in Des Moines earned an Outstanding Hospitality nomination for its family-friendly and fun atmosphere, even in cold weather. Both semifinalists will be announced in April and honored at the James Beard Awards ceremony in Chicago in June.
Source: https://www.iowapublicradio.org/ipr-news/2025-01-24/cedar-rapids-chef-des-moines-restaurant-james-beard-semifinalists