ELLISON BAY — The Wickman House restaurant in Ellison Bay was named semifinalist Wednesday for outstanding restaurant by the James Beard Foundation.

The James Beard Outstanding Restaurant Award is presented to a restaurant that demonstrates consistent excellence in food, atmosphere, hospitality, and operations, while contributing positively to its broader community, according to a news release.

“Over the past 24 hours so many of you have taken the time to share in our incredible excitement,” read a post on the restaurant’s Facebook page. “Thank you to everyone who has reached out with a message, a comment, a phone call. The smiles, the hugs, the tears.”

“The heart of our community is here, in Door County, but stretches from coast to coast,” they wrote.

(READ THE FULL NEWS RELEASE HERE)

Nominees will be announced on Wednesday, March 29, 2023 and winners will be celebrated at the James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards Ceremony on Monday, June 5, 2023, at the Lyric Opera of Chicago.

“Congratulations to all our 2023 James Beard Award Semifinalists! This is always an exhilarating moment as we kick off the Awards cycle and recognize the outstanding achievements of individuals and teams across the country,” said Clare Reichenbach, CEO of the James Beard Foundation in a news release.

The James Beard Awards, considered to be among the nation’s most prestigious honors, recognize exceptional talent in the culinary and food media industries, as well as a demonstrated commitment to racial and gender equity, community, sustainability, and a culture where all can thrive.

“Congratulations to our 2023 Semifinalists. It is exciting to see deserving talent across the
industry be recognized for their achievement—and that the changes we made to our policies and
procedures are still bearing fruit,” said Tanya Holland, Chair of the James Beard Awards
Committee, James Beard Foundation Board of Trustee. “I am honored to be part of a program
that can have a positive effect on so many.”