Virtue's Damarr Brown wins big at Beard
The Chicagoan is the city's second Black chef to win the coveted award. Plus, I've got the scoop on the best events to attend this month and beyond.
In early 2021, Damarr Brown said to me in his first-ever interview, “It’s hard to see yourself doing something if you don’t see anyone who looks like you doing it,” regarding why he decided to work alongside chef Erick Williams for so many years at MK and now Chicago’s Virtue Restaurant.
Brown reiterated those sentiments onstage at the James Beard Foundation Awards on June 5 when he made history as Chicago’s second-ever African-American chef to win. His mentor, Williams, was the first Black Chicago chef to win in 2022. While Brown’s award for “Best Emerging Chef” puts him on the fast track for fame and accessibility, don’t expect him to change from his humble demeanor.
“I’ve had a lot of growth, personally, and I think that I’m in a more patient space, a more inspired space right now,” Brown said during his celebratory party at Daisy’s Po-Boy and Tavern, Williams’ restaurant located across the street from Virtue. “I’m just really intentional about my moves, and it’s a really exciting time. I love what I am doing on the South Side [of Chicago].”
It’s amazing to hear that because it’s been a whirlwind experience for Brown, who made it to the final four on Bravo’s “Top Chef Houston” and was named “Fan Favorite” in 2022. That year, he was also a recipient of the Prada-backed Experimental Design Lab award, a collaborative program developed by famed Chicago artist Theaster Gates to support creatives of color and amplify their work.
Gates was one of hundreds of well wishers who showed up at the Daisy’s party to celebrate with Brown. There were also many prominent local chefs and restaurateurs like Maya-Camille Broussard, Brian Jupiter, Dominique Leach, Derrick Westbrook, Lamar Moore and James Martin as well as out-of-town hot shots like Gregory Gourdet, Eric Adjepong and Toni Tipton-Martin in attendance.
The other big Chicago winners of the night were Kasama owners Genie Kwon and Timothy Flores, who took home the “Best Chef Great Lakes” award for their modern and groundbreaking Filipino cuisine. Here’s the full list of all the winners.
5 great events this week and beyond
Bronzeville Winery. Tickets are still available for a special dinner featuring Aslina Wines, owned by South African winemaker Ntsiki Biyela. Newly installed Executive Chef Lamar Moore will pair the vino with a five-course menu. It’s 6-9pm June 8. Get the $175 tickets here.
Food Truck Fridays. Every week, from 11am-8pm, some of the most inventive food trucks gather at the New Black Wall Street Market, 8109 Mall Parkway in Stonecrest, Georgia. It’s free to attend, plus there’s live entertainment, shopping and a chance to support local Black-owned businesses. More info here.
National Rosé Month. Apparently, this is a real thing and I don’t have a problem with it. The best part is that you can celebrate this momentous occasion pretty much anywhere, but if you want it all buttoned up, head to one of the nine Hampton Social restaurants for the coolest experience. They’re doing 30 days of rosé, which includes pink-themed happy hours, a rosé-themed cocktail menu, and the official launch of H Rosé, the restaurant group’s private label wine. There are nine locations, including in Chicago, Nashville, and Naples, Florida.
Summer Fancy Food Show. New York’s biggest industry show for the food & beverage industry is sold out, but if you’re going, here’s what you need to know. It occurs June 25-27 at the Javits Center.
Blue Note Jazz Festival. I cannot believe tickets are still available for this event, but they are, so get on it. The three-day music festival includes the best of the Napa Valley region’s wines, plus local food and live music from some of the greatest jazz, R&B and hip-hop artists of our time. Headliners include the likes of Robert Glasper, Mary J. Blige, Lalah Hathaway, De La Soul, Nas, Rakim featuring DJ Jazzy Jeff, Digable Planets, BJ The Chicago Kid, Terrance Martin, Bobby McFerrin and Meshell Ndegeocello. The party’s happening July 28-30 in Napa Valley, California.
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Incredible! Congratulations, Damarr!