The 2026 James Beard journalism awards finalists, including a Soul Food Scholar, explore the cultural significance of a beloved Southern cookbook and the contributions of Black cooks and Gullah Geechee culinary traditions.
Miller, who’s known as the Soul Food Scholar ,” previously won James Beard awards for his books, the community cookbook first published in 1950 in Charleston , South Carolina .
Miller’s reporting explores the cookbook’s cultural significance while also investigating the overlooked contributions of Black cooks and Gullah Geechee culinary traditions that helped shape Charleston’s food culture.
“I’m deeply honored by this nomination,” says Miller. “This story became an opportunity to explore not only a beloved Southern cookbook, but also the broader questions of memory, recognition, and whose stories get preserved within American food history. ”The 2026 James Beard journalism awards will be presented in Chicago on June 13, two days before the restaurant winners are announced.
The Colorado finalists for those awards in the Best Chef: Mountain category are Penelope Wong of Yuan Wonton and Johnny Curiel (for the, are finalists in the Outstanding Professional in Cocktail Service category. Longtime Barolo Grill owner and sommelier Ryan Fletter is a finalist in the Outstanding Professional in Beverage Service category.
And for the second year in a row, Josh Niernberg of Bin 707 Foodbar in Grand Junction is representing the Western Slope in a big way as a finalist in the Outstanding Chef category. No paywall. Always accessible. We’re always watching out for you and our community — but we need your help to keep us going strong.
Help keep Westword free and in print every week. , the alt-weekly she co-founded in September 1977. She’s been inducted into the Colorado Press Association Hall of Fame, the Association of Alternative Newsmedia Hall of Fame and the Colorado Restaurant Association Hall of Fame. She’s also received dozens of local, state and national awards for writing, including first place for feature writing and first place for column writing with the Society of Professional Journalists. Patricia is a weekly commentator on
James Beard Awards Soul Food Scholar Charleston South Carolina Black Cooks Gullah Geechee Culinary Traditions Charleston's Food Culture Memory Recognition Whose Stories Get Preserved Within American Fo Best Chef: Mountain Outstanding Professional In Cocktail Service Outstanding Professional In Beverage Service Outstanding Chef Colorado Finalists Penelope Wong Johnny Curiel Ryan Fletter Josh Niernberg
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