The James Beard Awards have long been considered the Oscars of the culinary world, celebrating America’s best chefs and restaurants. Winning an award, or just being a finalist for a top honor, can extend a nominee’s reputation far beyond their hometown. The D.C. area has just three finalists in 2023, a year after the area boasted eight finalists in major categories without bringing home a major trophy.
Angel Barreto developed a love of Korean food from his Army parents, and nurtured it while working under chef Scott Drewno at the Source. Barreto joined Drewno at subsequent projects, including fast-casual Chiko and, most recently, the engaging Anju, where he serves as chef de cuisine, making kimchi, interpreting the classic recipes of Yesoon “Mama” Lee, and crafting his own playful dishes, such as double-fried chicken dressed with gochujang and Alabama-style white barbecue. Barreto, named “a talent to watch” in Tom Sietsema’s 2019 Dining Guide, had a breakout year in 2022 with two nominations.