A Seattle chef is making history as the first African-American to win the prestigious James Beard award for Best New Restaurant for JuneBaby in the Ravenna neighborhood.
“It’s been a long journey for myself,” said Chef Edouardo Jordan.
KIRO 7 used Face Time to speak with Jordan at the airport in Chicago while he waited to board his flight to Seattle.
He said it wasn't until the party was over that his two big wins of the night really kicked in.
“When I had downtime to myself to think about things, tears of joy, just those moments of, like wow, this really happened,” Jordan explained.
Jordan opened JuneBaby a year ago. And in that year, the Southern restaurant, flourished, capturing the eyes of foodies around the world.
“We’re making history tonight,” said Jordan during his acceptance speech at the James Beard Awards.
Monday night, Jordan and his crew won the coveted James Beard award for “Best New Restaurant” for JuneBaby. He's the first African-American chef to take home that award. He also nabbed "Best Chef in the Northwest" for his first restaurant Salare, which is just three blocks away on 65th Street.
Scroll down to continue reading
More news from KIRO 7
- Police: Pit bull attacks Jehovah's Witnesses at front door
- Seattle homeless and the head tax proposal: A timeline of the city's response
- Pierce County family: Bullies at school drove our 14-year-old to suicide
- Police arrest woman after allegations of racist tirade in McDonalds
- South Sound woman billed nearly $8,000 for late $300 HOA payment
“It sort of created a mini boom if you will for Ravenna,” said Jay Schiering who co-owns McCarthy & Schiering Wine Merchants, which is across the street from JuneBaby. “And I think we will, because of the James Beard awards, we will see that a lot more here.”
While KIRO 7 was there, someone even called and bought six bottles of champagne to send as congratulations to both restaurants.
Schiering says business has picked up, especially as Jordan's profile has grown.
“We're seeing people from all over the country (and) all over the world,” Schiering added.
Because JuneBaby doesn't take reservations, diners waiting for a table will often wander nearby shops to pass the time.
Sod House Bakery next door says it's seeing 20 percent more business on the weekends.
“All the people waiting outside will stop in here for coffee on the way in,” barista Jackson Irvine said.
Jordan isn't slowing down any time soon.
“It’s a big honor,” Jordan said. “I realized the impact and voice I have in the industry and it’s important for me to utilize the opportunity to educate people.”
Jordan has a 4-year-old son. He said he hopes this shows his son he really can do anything.
JuneBaby is his father's childhood nickname.
Cox Media Group
