Orlando Restaurateur Brothers Johnny and Jimmy Tung Nominated at James Beard Awards

The James Beard Foundation has announced the semifinalists for its chef and restaurant categories, and among the nominees are brothers Johnny and Jimmy Tung, who have been recognized for their outstanding contributions to the culinary landscape of Central Florida. The Tungs, who are behind the regional chain Bento Asian Kitchen + Sushi, have been instrumental in diversifying the Orlando’s culinary landscape with everything from yakitori/kushiyaki joints to dochi donut shops to high-end omakase concepts and standing sushi bars.

The Tungs, who have been previously recognized for their contributions to the culinary scene in Orlando, have been nominated for an Outstanding Restaurateur award, a category that was last year won by Jason and Sue Chin. The brothers have been working hard to elevate Orlando's culinary scene by partnering with talented local chefs, and have been recognized for their contributions to the industry.

This year, the Tungs will open no less than four new concepts — Camille and Sorekara in Baldwin Park; The Foreigner in Audubon Park; Bang Bang Noodle Co. by Top Chef Season 3 winner Hung Huynh in Mills 50; and Kosen by former Masa chef Wei Chen in Tampa.

Earning his second James Beard Award nomination for Best Chef: South, and his third nomination overall, is Kabooki Sushi's Henry Moso. Moso was nominated last year for Best Chef: South and in 2020 for Rising Star Chef of the Year.

Making it onto the long list of semifinalists has been a regular occurrence for Orlando and Central Florida chefs, though none have ever made it to the short list of finalists. But procedural changes that were implemented last year could change the fortunes of Orlando-area chefs.

The semifinalists with the highest average score will be announced as finalists on March 29. The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony in Chicago on June 5.