Tom Cunanan, Filipino chef and owner of Washington D.C. restaurant Bad Saint has just won the award for Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic at this year’s James Beard Awards. Cunanan’s win comes after being nominated for Best Chef three years in a row now. He beat finalists Centrolina chef/owner Amy Brandwein and Cindy Wolfe of Charleston Restaurant in Baltimore. “Never in my wildest dreams did I think I’d be up here,” said Cunanan in his acceptance speech.
The Filipino chef served as a sous chef at Vidalia, Zentan, and D.C. Coast before opening Bad Saint back in 2015 to rave reviews and a loyal following. The restaurant even earned a number two spot Best New Restaurant in America from Bon Appetit.
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