About this episode

This bonus episode features conversations with three chefs who won James Beard awards in 2026.

On this special bonus episode, we revisit great conversations with three chefs who just won James Beard awards. Nok Suntaranon’s Thai restaurant Kalaya won 2026 Outstanding Restaurant. Alinea veteran Dave Beran was named Best Chef California for what he’s doing at his L.A. restaurant Seline, and Sarah Thompson won Best Chef Southwest for her cooking at coastal Mexican restaurant Casa Playa in Las Vegas. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

People in this episode

Guests: Sarah Thompson, Dave Beran, Nok Suntaranon

Topics covered

• James Beard Awards
• Culinary Conversations
• Chef Interviews
• Restaurant Highlights
• Food Culture

Keywords

• James Beard
• chefs
• awards
• restaurant
• culinary
• interview
• food

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: James Beard

Places: Kalaya, Seline, Casa Playa, Las Vegas

More episodes of Culinary Characters Unlocked

• Chef Andrew Black on the journey from his grandmother’s kitchen in Jamaica, to the Ritz in Paris, to winning a James Beard award in Oklahoma City · July 21, 2026 · 36 min
• Chef Renee Erickson built a restaurant empire from the bounty of the Pacific Northwest · July 14, 2026 · 39 min
• Chef Zak Baker on cooking in Milwaukee the way they really do in Italy · July 7, 2026 · 38 min
• Chef Kathy Fang on innovating Chinese cuisine and keeping a family legacy alive · June 30, 2026 · 42 min
• Chef Zach Midgett on why he left the legendary French Laundry to cook in Lincoln, Nebraska · June 23, 2026 · 39 min
• Chef Lonie Murdock on reimagining Caribbean cooking with dishes like Oxtail Wagyu and feeding the Obamas · June 16, 2026 · 37 min

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