Utah’s Culinary Scene Shines: James Beard Nominees, Red, White & Snow, and Tea Zaanti’s Anniversary

Utah’s culinary scene continues to thrive with the announcement of the 2025 James Beard Award nominees, highlighting the state’s top chefs, restaurants, and bars. Meanwhile, the Red, White & Snow charity dinner at Midway Mercantile supports the National Ability Center with an exquisite multi-course meal and wine pairing. Adding to the celebrations, Tea Zaanti marks…

Ted Scheffler

February 14, 2025

Utah James Beard Award Nominees

Utah’s ever improving dining scene is well-represented in this year’s 2025 semifinalists for the prestigious James Beard Awards, which were announced recently by the James Beard Foundation.

Established in 1990 and first awarded in 1991, the James Beard Foundation’s Restaurant and Chef Awards are one of five separate recognition programs of the James Beard Awards. The awards recognize exceptional talent and achievement in the culinary arts, hospitality, media, and broader food system, as well as a demonstrated commitment to racial and gender equity, community, sustainability, and a culture where all can thrive.

Here is the list of this year’s James Beard Awards nominees from Utah restaurants and bars.

Outstanding restaurateur: Lavanya Mahate, Saffron Valley Indian Restaurants

Outstanding pastry chef or baker: Adalberto Diaz, Fillings and Emulsions

Outstanding hospitality: Manoli’s

Outstanding bar: Water Witch

Best chef (Mountain Region):

Mike Blocher and Nick Fahs, Table X

Andrew Fuller, Oquirrh

Matthew Harris, Tupelo Park City

Nick Zocco, Urban Hill

Congratulations to all of this year’s James Beard Awards nominees – well-deserved!

Red, White & Snow Dinner at Midway Mercantile

On Friday, March 7th at 6 PM Midway Mercantile restaurant will host a special Red, White and Snow dinner in support of the National Ability Center in Park City ,the world class “#AdapativeNation Community where they celebrate all abilities and bridge the gap between perceived limitations and what is possible through the spirit of ‘I Can.’”

The National Ability Center provides incredible opportunities for all Utahns to play in our outdoor wonderland. A combined effort by Pierrette and Matthew Magleby and the Midway Mercantile, every dollar raised from the Red, White and Snow dinner goes directly to the National Ability Center.

The generous folks at Midway Mercantile said, “Each year we provide a decadent 6 or 7 course meal to accompany a designated winery. This year we are pairing with Miner Family Winery of Napa Valley for an incredible feast and good time. Limited seating of 25 guests.” The cost to enjoy this amazing evening in support of the National Ability Center is a tax deductible donation of $500.

Tea Zaanti Celebrates 8th Anniversary

Tea Zaanti co-owner Scott Lyttle sent this note along recently: “It’s mind-boggling to think that as of Feb 1, Becky and I have owned and operated Tea Zaanti for 8 years. And amazingly, I still love coming into the shop everyday!”

Here are a couple random numbers over the eight years:

You all have consumed 10,000+ lbs of Matcha

Daily visits have increased from 20 customers/day to over 200

Employed over 45 folks from our community

Survived 1 international pandemic

Survived 2+ years of city construction

Partnered with over 25 local non-profits

Personally drank over 5000 cups of tea at the shop!

To thank loyal Tea Zaanti customers for their support, get 15% off the next time you visit (excludes wine and beer) using the code 4WMN16 when you pay.

Congratulations to Scott, Becky and the Tea Zaanti team!

events, Food & Drink, Foodie Events, Utah Bites

Ted Scheffler

Originally trained as an anthropologist, Ted Scheffler is a seasoned food, wine, and travel writer based in Utah. He loves cooking, skiing, music, and reading, and spends an inordinate amount of time tending to his ever-growing herd of guitars and amplifiers. Ted is also the author of the Utah Bites newsletter, which is published in partnership with Utah Stories. Before moving to Utah, Ted lived in New York City, and numerous states in the US, as well as in various countries overseas, Spain, Japan, Canada, Brazil, and Mexico. He earned a Master’s Degree in Anthropology from the Graduate Faculty of The New School for Social Research.