Two Greene County chefs named James Beard Award semifinalists

GREENE COUNTY―This year, twenty culinary masters are semifinalists for the prestigious James Beard Awards under the category of Best Chef in New York State. All of them hail from New York City with the exception of two who both come from Greene County.

Efrén Hernández of Casa Susanna in Leeds and Corwin Kave of Deer Mountain Inn in Tannersville made the exclusive list of “chefs who set high standards in their culinary skills and leadership abilities and who are making efforts to help create a sustainable work culture in their respective regions.”

For Hernández, this year marks his third James Beard nomination while Kave was named for the first time.

Considered the pinnacle of culinary recognition in the United States and among the country's most prestigious honors, the James Beard Awards celebrate exceptional talent in the culinary and food media industries.

“We are thrilled to congratulate this year’s semifinalists as we mark another major milestone—40 years of the James Beard Foundation,” said Clare Reichenbach, CEO of the James Beard Foundation.

“For four decades, the foundation has recognized culinary excellence while championing the independent chefs and restaurants that are vital to our communities, economy, and culture. It is an honor to celebrate the 2026 semifinalists, whose work reflects the incredible dynamism, talent, and achievement defining our industry today,” Reichenbach added.

According to Deer Mountain Inn, Kave previously served as the director of culinary operations at Uchu Hospitality group in New York City and the UK, and as executive chef at Fatty Crab, Don Wagyu and Ludlow House. He is now making his mark on the Catskills with a focus on local and seasonal ingredients, Deer Mountain Inn stated.

“Casa Susanna is Chef Efrén Hernández's take on Mexican cuisine sourcing his family history and the abundance of the Hudson Valley,” according to the restaurant, located at Camptown on Route 23B.

Established in 1990 with the first awards given in 1991, the James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards honors excellence across all types of dining experiences, from fine dining to casual establishments.

Receiving a James Beard Award can be transformational for restaurants and chefs. Recognition of any kind—whether as a semifinalist, nominee, or winner—can lead to significant visibility, new opportunities, and positive economic impact. In 2025, 96 percent of surveyed semifinalists reported a positive impact on their business and communities following the recognition.

Nominees will be announced on March 31 and winners will be celebrated at the James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards Ceremony on June 15 at the Lyric Opera of Chicago.

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