2 Columbus eateries, chef named semifinalists for the James Beard Awards – 10TV
Next up in 5Example video title will go here for this videoNext up in 5Example video title will go here for this videoCOLUMBUS, Ohio — Two Columbus restaurants and a chef were recognized as 2025 Restaurant and Chef Award semifinalists for the James Beard Awards.The semifinalists from Columbus include Dan the Baker, Law Bird and Avishar Barua from Agni.Since 2007, Dan the Baker has specialized in “hand-made sourdough breads from organic grains and pastries from local butter and eggs,” according to their website.Dan Riesenberger’s passion for producing wholesome breads stems from a coworker’s gift: a sourdough culture. The same sourdough starter has been in constant use ever since, he wrote.He thanked his customers and staff for this “huge honor” on social media. “I can’t express how grateful I am to bake for you,” Riesenberger wrote on Instagram. “This bakery is nothing without the team that tirelessly crafts for you.”Law Bird is a “curated retail location featuring all the wines, cocktails, other tasty libations you’ve come to love at the bar,” owners Luke and Annie Williams Pierce say.The team said they were “beyond honored” to be a semifinalist.“This is the type of thing we strive for, but honestly never quite believed would happen,” they wrote. “All of the Law Bird team, past and present, deserve a huge congratulations.”Avishar Barua, the executive chef and owner of Agni, also landed a semifinalist position, rounding out the Columbus nominees for the Awards.Located in the Brewery District, Agni boasts a “Bengali-American, seriously-fun dining experience, fired by international char, grill and sear,” according to the restaurant.Barua is also an Ohio State University alum and a founder of another restaurant named Joya’s Café in Worthington, Ohio.This year marks the 35th anniversary for the Awards, considered to be one of the most prestigious honors in the country.To celebrate this anniversary, the 2025 Restaurant and Chef Awards added three new categories with an emphasis on beverages: Best New Bar, Outstanding Professional in Beverage Service and Outstanding Professional in Cocktail Service.The Restaurant and Chef Award nominees will be announced on April 2. The James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards ceremony for the final winners will be held Monday, June 16, at the Lyric Opera of Chicago.
