Neale Asato profiled before James Beard

Neale Asato is Hawaiʻi’s lone finalist in the 2026 James Beard restaurant and chef awards, and Hawaiʻi Public Radio profiled him on April 27. (hawaiipublicradio.org) (jamesbeard.org) Asato is nominated for Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker, one of the national Restaurant and Chef Awards categories. Hawaiʻi Public Radio said he was the only local contender to move from the semifinal round to the finalist list. (hawaiipublicradio.org) (jamesbeard.org) The James Beard Foundation announced its 2026 restaurant and chef nominees on March 31. Winners will be revealed on June 15 at the Lyric Opera of Chicago. (jamesbeard.org 1) (jamesbeard.org 2) That makes Asato’s run unusually visible in Hawaiʻi’s food scene this year. Hawaiʻi Public Radio reported that nine local chefs and restaurants made the semifinal round in January, but only Asato reached the final ballot. (hawaiipublicradio.org 1) (hawaiipublicradio.org 2) (jamesbeard.org) In the radio interview, Asato said the semifinal nod already surprised him and the finalist spot left him “speechless.” He said the recognition honored his family’s work over the years. (hawaiipublicradio.org) The James Beard Awards, founded in 1990 and first given in 1991, are among the best-known honors in American food. The foundation says the awards recognize culinary talent, hospitality, and broader food-system leadership. (jamesbeard.org) Asato now heads into a June 15 ceremony where one Hawaiʻi finalist will try to turn a local sherbet legacy into a national win. (hawaiipublicradio.org) (jamesbeard.org)