The Cap Times is reporting that a local chef, cocktail professional and a new bar have all been named semifinalists for the 2026 James Beard Awards, one of the most prestigious honors someone can win in the realm of food and drink.
Kasey Lee Cooke, executive chef of Mint Mark at 1874 East Washington Ave., is a semifinalist for Best Chef: Midwest.
Craft cocktail bar Public Parking at 711 E. Johnson St. is a semifinalist in the Best New Bar category.
And Hastings Cameron is a semifinalist in the Outstanding Professional in Cocktail Service category. Cameron has worked as a Madison bartender and owner for cocktail bar Imaginary Factory at 1401 Northern Ct.
The semifinalists were announced Wednesday. The list of nominees will be announced in April, with winners named on June 15.
