Dana Street, a longtime Portland restaurateur who helped put the city on the map as a foodie destination, won a James Beard Award on Monday night, earning the "Outstanding Restaurateur" honor at a ceremony in Chicago.
Street, who opened Street and Co. in 1989 and also owns Fore Street, Scales and Standard Baking Co., beat out four other finalists in a 36-year-old awards program widely regarded as the Oscars of the food world.
The other finalists were: Srijith Gopinathan and Ayesha Thapar of Cal-India Collective in California; Meherwan Irani and Molly Irani of Chai Pani Restaurant Group in Asheville, N.C.; Donald Link and Stephen Stryjewski of Link Restaurant Group In New Orleans; and Hugo Ortega and Tracy Vaught of H Town Restaurant Group in Houston.
The award recognizes restaurateurs who set high standards in hospitality and business operations while making an impact on their community.
Standard Baking Co. is located at 75 Commercial St. in Portland. PHOTO / ALEXIS WELLS
In his acceptance speech, Street said that he and his team had been shocked since getting nominated earlier this year.
"I don't think we beat anybody," he said. "We are proud to join all the people in this audience who do excellent work."
Also among this year’s James Beard Award finalists from Maine was Thomas Takashi Cooke of Portland’s Izakaya Minato, one of five finalists for Best Chef: Northeast. That award went to Evan Hennessey of Stages in Dover, N.H.
The James Beard Award winners were announced Monday night at a ceremony in Chicago, followed by a reception at the city's Union Station.
'Overdue' honor
Becky Jacobson, executive director of Hospitality Maine, said the accolade for Street has been a long time coming.
"Dana Street and his restaurants were at the forefront of the dining renaissance in Portland, and continue to be considered some of the best restaurants in the city," she told Mainebiz via email on Tuesday.
"This is an honor that is long overdue, and HospitalityMaine congratulates Dana on receiving this recognition," she added.
Lynn Tilloton, president and CEO of Visit Portland, noted Street's role in helping shape the city's culinary identity for decades.
"This recognition is a well-deserved honor for Dana and his team, and it also shines a spotlight on the extraordinary talent, creativity and hospitality found throughout our culinary community," she said. "Awards like these reinforce Portland's reputation as a destination where visitors can experience exceptional food, authentic local culture and memorable hospitality."
Deputy Editor Renee Cordes contributed to this report.
