Rio Linda, CA – Rio Linda High School alumnus Chef Kevin Lane has been named a semifinalist for the prestigious James Beard Awards in the “Best Chef: Northwest & Pacific” category.
The James Beard Awards, considered the most esteemed honors in the culinary world, recognize exceptional talent and innovation in the food industry.
Chef Lane, owner and executive chef of The Cookery in Seward, Alaska, joins a distinguished list of culinary professionals from across the region.
A 1987 graduate of Rio Linda High School, Chef Lane possesses a deep passion for food and a commitment to his community. He has not only achieved culinary excellence but has also dedicated himself to mentoring young chefs through his work at the Alaska Culinary Institute.
“We are incredibly proud of Chef Lane’s accomplishments. This recognition is a testament to his talent, hard work, and dedication to his craft,” said Director John Todd of the Rio Linda Elverta Chamber of Commerce.
Other semi-finalists are:
- Janet Becerra, Pancita, Seattle, WA
- Jay Blackinton, Houlme, Orcas Island, WA
- Ki Chung, Bar Māze, Honolulu, HI
- Logan Cox, Homer, Seattle, WA
- Joshua Dorcak, MÄS, Ashland, OR
- Aisha Ibrahim, Canlis, Seattle, WA
- Ed Kenney, Mud Hen Water, Honolulu, HI
- Hyun Kim, O’Kims, Honolulu, HI
- Andrew Le, The Pig and the Lady, Honolulu, HI
- Isaiah Martinez, Yardy Rum Bar, Eugene, OR
- Ajay Panicker, Kathakali, An Indian Eatery, Kirkland, WA
- Thomas Pisha-Duffly, Gado Gado, Portland, OR
- Ryan Roadhouse, Nodoguro, Portland, OR
- Sarah Schafer, Humble Spirit, McMinnville, OR
- Beau Schooler, In Bocca Al Lupo, Juneau, AK
- Kari Shaughnessy, Hayward, McMinnville, OR
- Sheldon Simeon, Tiffany’s, Wailuku, HI
The James Beard Awards will announce the finalists on April 2nd, 2025, with the winners being revealed at a ceremony in Chicago on June 16th.
We congratulate Chef Lane on this incredible achievement and wish him the best of luck as he continues to inspire and delight food lovers across the country.
Find out more about the James Beard Foundation at https://www.jamesbeard.org/blog/the-2025-james-beard-award-semifinalists#
You can find Chef Kevin Lane at The Cookery on Facebook, Instagram and CookerySeward.com.
