
A Cedar Rapids Chef Has Been Nominated for a Huge National Award
The James Beard Foundation has recognized a Cedar Rapids chef for the second time in the last ten years!
If you've ever been to Cobble Hill in Cedar Rapids, then you've no doubt tried something made by Andy Schumacher. He is the head chef of the restaurant, as well as a co-owner with his wife Carrie Schumacher.
According to Cobble Hill's website, Andy & Carrie's experience living in Brooklyn, New York is the inspiration behind Cobble Hill, which opened its doors in 2013. The official website reads:
"Andy first got into cooking after finishing up a BS in Biology at the University of Iowa and preparing for medical school applications. This newfangled hobby turned into a full fledged passion and led him away from medicine and to New York with Carrie for culinary school at the French Culinary Institute, located in Soho."
After four years out east, the couple moved their family back to Iowa, and Andy spent five years working at Lincoln Cafe in Mount Vernon before opening Cobble Hill. According to the Des Moines Register, this is actually his second time being recognized by the James Beard Foundation for his work at the restaurant. He was also nominated for Best Chef: Midwest back in 2015.
Andy Schumacher is up against 19 other semifinalists from across the Midwest, but is the only chef from Iowa to make the cut. The list also includes chefs from Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin.
Cobble Hill is located at 219 2nd St SE in Downtown Cedar Rapids, and is open Tuesday through Thursday from 4:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday & Sunday from 4:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. You can check out their current menu HERE.
There is another semifinalist from Iowa nominated in this year's James Beard Awards, but it's not an individual... it's a restaurant! Simon's in Des Moines has been recognized in the Outstanding Hospitality category.
Simon Goheen took over the restaurant J. Benjamin's back in 2005, which opened at 5800 Franklin Avenue in Des Moines in 1994. It has only grown in popularity since then, and there is often a line out the door when the restaurant opens! According to the Des Moines Register:
"Goheen is known for touching every table during service, often chatting about more than just the food on the table. Every table receives a slice of red velvet cake for dessert, a charming touch to the meal."
Simon's is open Monday through Thursday from 5 to 9 p.m. and Friday & Saturday from 5 to 10 p.m. House specialties on the menu include the Steak de Burgo, Beef Tenderloin, Chicken Florentine, Cordon Bleu, Lamb Chops, and more. You can check out the full menu HERE.
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