James Beard 2023 Award goes to Filipino-owned US restaurant The Quarry

It is overwhelming seeing Filipinos everywhere being acknowledged from acting, dancing, singing and food. The James Beard Award for Outstanding Hospitality has been presented to Filipino-owned restaurant The Quarry.

If you're unaware of The James Beard Foundation Awards, these are yearly honors given by the James Beard Foundation to American chefs, restaurateurs, authors, and journalists.

“Absolutely speechless. There aren’t enough words to thank everyone for all of their kind words, and support. We couldn’t have done it without you. Thank you to everyone who cheered for us. Thank you to my amazing crew in the kitchen and out. Monson, we’re coming home!” wrote owner and Filipino head chef Marilou “Lulu” Ranta.

What made this restaurant win the hearts of many? American food with a Filipino flair is served at the rustic fine dining establishment The Quarry in Monson, Maine. The grilled beef filet and potato mousseline is its hallmark dish. Before relocating to Fayetteville, North Carolina in 1987, Ranta reportedly originally worked as a domestic worker in Manila.

Later, she relocated to Monson, Maine, where she operated an Asian takeout restaurant, along with her family. Before opening The Quarry in 2018, she also completed a two-year culinary program at Eastern Maine Community College, from which she graduated in 2016.

Ranta, Erwan Heusaff, Timothy Flores and Genie Kwon, as well as Margarita Manzke, were among the well-known chefs honored at the James Beard Awards presentation. The James Beard Foundation's awards honor the individuals who have contributed to America's food culture and highlight earlier culinary triumphs.