The 2025 Finalists for Chicago's Local Food Awards, the Jean Banchets

WTTW / by Daniel Hautzinger / October 28, 2024

Even as the restaurant business continues to grapple with challenges augmented by changes since the COVID-19 pandemic, Chicago remains a city with an outstanding dining scene. The local Jean Banchet Awards for Culinary Excellence, named after the Le Francais chef who helped put the Chicago area on the culinary map, recognize the talent on display here from counter-service and pizza joints to fine dining shrines of gastronomy.

The finalists for the 2025 Banchets have been announced, including in a new category spotlighting pizza, that food that Chicagoans love to debate. (Yes, there is a deep dish-style spot represented.) Winners will be revealed in a ceremony at Venue SIX10 on January 26, 2025; tickets for it go on sale on November 19.

Roland Liccioni, who retired this year from a distinguished career as chef at Les Nomades and Jean Banchet's Le Francais, will be honored with the organization's highest honor. Read More Here.