The food scene in Iowa keeps heating up. Three more chefs have been honored by the James Beard Foundation – the organization that hands out the “Oscars of the food world.” In Iowa, more than 20 chefs over the years have had their names called for the semifinalist list, with a majority hailing from Des Moines.
Chefs Nick Hanke and Phil Shires from the restaurant Masao and Chef Ian Robertson from the restaurant Oak Park are part of James Beard’s 2026 semifinalists for Best Chef Midwest.
The Contrary in Des Moines has also been recognized as a national semifinalist for Best New Bar. DeLuxe Cakes and Pastries in Iowa City received a nod as a semifinalist for Outstanding Bakery…