Each year in Rhode Island and across the country, readers of the over 80 James Beard Award-winning Edible magazines vote for their favorite Local Heroes. Readers of Edible Rhody vote for: the chefs who feed us; the food artisans who tempt us; the farmers who produce flavorful foods; the food, wine or retail stores that inspire us; and the non-profits that effect change in our food community. Here's a list of all our award winners, past and present!

Chefs

2015
Jamestown Fish / Matthew McCartney

2014
New Rivers / Beau Vestal 

2013
Gracie’s / Matt Varga 

2012
Tallulah on Thames / Jake Rojas 

2011
Chez Pascal / Matt Gennuso 

2010
Persimmon / Champe Speidel 

2009
Gracie’s / Joe Hafner 

2008
Castle Hill Inn / Jon Cambra 

Farmers

2015
Arcadian Fields / Diana Kushner

2014
Watson Farm / Don & Heather Minto 

2013
Wishing Stone Farm / Skip Paul & Liza Peckham

2012
Schartner Farms / Rich Schartner

2011
Blackbird Farm / Ann Marie Bouthillette

2010
Pat’s Pastured / Patrick McNiff 

2009
Simmons Farm / Brian & Karla Simmons 

2008
Manic Organic / Nicole Vitello 

Food Artisans

2015
Village Hearth Bakery / Andrea Colognese 

2014
Laurent Vals / Laurent Vals Handmade Chocolates 

2013
Olga’s Cup & Saucer / Olga Bravo & Becky Wagner 

2012
Farmstead / Kate Jennings 2012

2011
Seven Stars Bakery / Jim Williams 

2010
Narragansett Creamery / Louella Hill 

2009
Garrison Confections / Andrew Shotts 

2008
Farmstead / Matt Jennings 

Beverage Artisans

2015
Dave's Coffee / David Lanning 

2014
Revival Brewing / Sean Larkin

2013
Greenvale Vineyards / Richard Carmichael

2012
Newport Storm Brewery / Derek Luke

2011
Yacht Club Bottling Works 

2010
New Harvest Roasters / Gerra Herrigan 

2009
Sakonnet Vineyards / Elaine Bernier 

2008
Newport Vineyards / George Chelf

Food Related Non-Profits

2015
The Genesis Center Culinary Arts Training Program

2014
New Urban Farmers

2013
Aquidneck Island Land Trust

2012
Rhode Island Community Food Bank

2011
Southside Community Land Trust

2010
West Bay Community Action/Barton Farms

2009
RICAPE

2008
Farm Fresh RI

Food, Wine & Retail Shops

2015
Grapes & Gourmet

2014
Bottles Fine Wines & Spirits

2013
Provender

2012
Farmstead