The annual James Beard Awards, often called the Oscars of the food world, returned to Chicago’s Lyric Opera on Monday, June 15. This year, New England took home three awards — none of them in Boston. Instead, the night’s wins went to the smaller cities that have spent years building ambitious dining scenes of their own.
Portland, Maine’s Dana Street, whose group includes Fore Street, Scales, and other restaurants, earned an Outstanding Restaurateur nod, reflecting its role in shaping the city as a dining destination.
Providence also had reason to celebrate. Loma Bar earned the Best New Bar award, building on the city’s cocktail scene, including this year’s semifinalist, co-owner and beverage director Jesse Hedberg of Club Frills, and the community of bartenders who came up through spots like Nicks on Broadway…