Naiker is new to the James Beard Awards, as this is his first nomination, and it landed him in the finals for the Emerging Chef category. He was born in Fiji and raised in California's Bay Area. He has his residency at 51 Courtland St. within the speakeasy, The Courtland Club. His kitchen is barely larger than a closet, but he makes magic there.

Years before the Michelin Guide, the acclaimed James Beard Foundation was already making waves in the Lone Star State. This year, a formidable 13 Texas restaurants and chefs are finalists for the culinary awards,

Charleston, a Baltimore restaurant, took home a 2025 James Beard Award for its outstanding wine program.