Howell man named semifinalist for James Beard Foundation's Restaurant and Chef Awards

Evan Sasiela, Livingston Daily

HOWELL — A Howell man is in the running for an award that recognizes achievement in the culinary arts.

Doug Hewitt is a semifinalist for the James Beard Foundation's 2024 Restaurant and Chef Awards. It is one of five separate recognition programs of the James Beard Awards, according to its website.

The James Beard Foundation’s Restaurant and Chef Awards “recognize exceptional talent and achievement in the culinary arts, hospitality, media, and broader food system, as well as a demonstrated commitment to racial and gender equity, community, sustainability, and a culture where all can thrive."

Nominees will be announced April 3 and winners will be announced at the James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards Ceremony on June 10 at the Lyric Opera of Chicago, according to a press release from the foundation.

Hewitt is a semifinalist for Best Chef: Great Lakes — one of 22 award categories. Hewitt is the executive chef at both Chartreuse Kitchen & Cocktails and Freya in Detroit, according to Hour Detroit. Hewitt was named a semifinalist for his work with Freya.

Hewitt told The Livingston Post he “feels great” about being nominated. Hewitt is a graduate of Howell High School.

“We as chefs like to sometimes pretend that accolades aren’t the most important things,” Hewitt told The Post. “And they’re not. But this one feels good. It really does.”

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Hewitt began his restaurant career at age 15, as a dishwasher at Marion Oaks Golf Club in Howell. He graduated from Schoolcraft College’s culinary arts program in 2002. He later worked at restaurants in Mount Pleasant, Franklin, Milford and Dexter before becoming the executive chef at Chartreuse and Freya, according to The Post.

Hewitt is one of 20 semifinalists for “Best Chef: Great Lakes." The region comprises Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and Ohio. Other semifinalists from Michigan include:

  • Ji Hye Kim, Miss Kim, Ann Arbor;

  • Dan Klenotic, Bellflower, Ypsilanti;

  • Hajime Sato, Sozai, Clawson;

  • John Yelinek, Ladder 4 Wine Bar, Detroit.

— Contact reporter Evan Sasiela at esasiela@livingstondaily.com. Follow him on Twitter @SalsaEvan.

This article originally appeared on Livingston Daily: Howell man a semifinalist for 2024 Restaurant and Chef Awards

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