ViceVersa and Chef Nando Chang lead the City’s gastronomic accolades of the James Beard Awards
Miami’s culinary scene is basking in the national spotlight, with the 2025 James Beard Foundation Awards recognizing two of its standout contributors. ViceVersa, an Italian aperitivo bar located in downtown Miami, has been named a finalist for Best New Bar, while Chef Nando Chang of Itamae AO is contending for Best Chef: South.
ViceVersa
Located within The Elser Hotel at 398 NE 5th St., ViceVersa opened its doors in June 2024. The bar is the brainchild of renowned bartender Valentino Longo in collaboration with the culinary team behind Jaguar Sun.
ViceVersa offers patrons a genuine Italian aperitivo experience, blending classic cocktails with innovative twists. Its nomination for Best New Bar just goes to show Miami’s growing influence in the national cocktail landscape.
Chef Nando Chang
Chef Nando Chang of Itamae AO has earned a finalist spot for Best Chef: South. Originally operating under the name Itamae, the restaurant was rebranded as Itamae AO in May 2024. It now offers a personalized omakase-style counter experience in Midtown.
Notably, his sister, Chef Valerie Chang of Maty’s, clinched the same award in 2024.
A broader recognition for Miami by James Beard Foundation
In addition to these individual accolades, several other Miami establishments were acknowledged as semifinalists in various categories, including:
- Ghee Indian Kitchen: Nominated for Outstanding Restaurant.
- Café La Trova: Recognized in the Outstanding Bar category.
- Yohann Le Bescond: From L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon, nominated for Outstanding Pastry Chef.
- Kayla Pfeiffer: Of Sunny’s Steakhouse, acknowledged as an Emerging Chef.
- Allegra Angelo: From Vinya Table, nominated for Outstanding Professional in Beverage Service.
These nominations highlight the city’s diverse and dynamic culinary scene, solidifying Miami’s position as a gastronomic powerhouse.
When will the winners be announced?
The winners of the 2025 James Beard Awards will be announced during a ceremony at Chicago’s Lyric Opera on June 16. This event promises to be a celebration of culinary excellence, with Miami’s nominees in the culinary scene eagerly awaiting the results.
What’s next?
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