Visit Lodi

Supporting Lodi’s Culinary Candidates for the 2027 James Beard Awards

Recommendation Details

Deadline: November 30, 2026, at 8:59 p.m. Pacific.

Your firsthand experience can help draw national attention to Lodi’s culinary talent. Visit Lodi is supporting the candidates below for consideration in the 2027 James Beard Awards. Recommendations for Restaurant and Chef Award categories are free.

Candidates and Recommended Categories

Nick Guantone, Guantonio’s

Recommend Chef Nick Guantone individually in the California regional chef category.

Lynn and Fausto Echeverria, Ruby’s Bakery & Cafe

Recommend Lynn and Fausto Echeverria together as the baking pair.

Pietro’s Trattoria

Recommend Pietro’s Trattoria as the restaurant.

How to Send a Recommendation

Open the Official Submission Portal

Go to the James Beard Awards submission portal and sign in, or create an account if prompted.

Pick the Award Category

Follow the instructions for the 2027 Restaurant and Chef Awards and select the relevant category above. For Nick Guantone, choose Best Chef: California. If the form asks you to select a category and region separately, choose Best Chefs and California.

Add the Candidate Details

Enter the candidate name, business or restaurant name, and location provided above. Fill in all required fields and complete any instructions specific to the selected category.

Explain Your Experience

The form may request either an impact statement of 150–300 words or an audio or video statement lasting 1–2 minutes. Follow the requirements shown in the current form and describe what makes the candidate’s work distinctive.

Check and Send

Before submitting, verify the candidate’s name, category, and responses. Finish the process and watch for confirmation that your recommendation was received.

What to Write About

Specific examples and firsthand experiences make recommendations more compelling. Use the prompts below to guide your response for each candidate.

Nick Guantone: Best Chef: California

Explain what sets Chef Nick’s cooking at Guantonio’s apart. You could describe a memorable dish, his use of seasonal ingredients, or the way his food expresses Lodi’s agricultural character. If you have personally witnessed his leadership or support of his team, include a concrete example.

Lynn and Fausto Echeverria: Outstanding Baker or Dessert Professional

Discuss the skill, creativity, and consistency you experience in the baked goods at Ruby’s. A specific pastry, bread, or seasonal item can show what makes their work exceptional.

Pietro’s Trattoria: America’s Classics

Describe Pietro’s role in your family traditions or in the broader Lodi community. Share details about the food, hospitality, and enduring connection that have made it a local classic. America’s Classics honorees are selected by the James Beard Foundation’s Restaurant and Chef Subcommittee.

Note: Use your own words and provide accurate examples. Follow the portal’s requirements when preparing your statement. Do not copy this page into your impact statement or use AI-generated submission statements.

Additional Information

Is the Process a Public Vote?

No. Public recommendations can help bring candidates to the Foundation’s attention, but the awards are determined through its selection process. The number of recommendations does not decide the results.

Continue Supporting Local Food

Visit these businesses, tell others about their stories, and introduce someone to a Lodi favorite. You may also recommend other eligible candidates through the Foundation’s open call.

About the Campaign

Visit Lodi is independently supporting these candidates for consideration. A public recommendation does not confer official James Beard semifinalist, nominee, or winner status. This campaign is not affiliated with or endorsed by the James Beard Foundation.

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