In its 34-year history celebrating great chefs and cuisines, the prestigious James Beard Award has never come to a Delaware chef. That could change this month.
Kern is the chef and co-owner of One Coastal in Fenwick Island, and is now the first-ever First State chef to be named a Beard finalist in any culinary category.
The restaurant industry has always been competitive, but recent shifts in consumer tastes have accented the necessity for more inclusive approaches. Kern says that thinking may have made the difference in the nomination.
“I’m guessing we made the right people happy,” Kern said. “You know, we really push to make everyone happy and to give an experience that’s a little more on the comfortable side, but nonetheless supports our vision of being able to keep farmers on the land and in gainful employment, and we’re doing it.”
While Kern says being a Beard finalist is an honor, he adds awards and profit are not driving forces for him.
“I’m trying to do the right thing, no matter what. I don’t want any regrets in life, especially as a chef or a restauranteur,” Kern said. “I want to teach people everything I have. I want to make the best decisions I can, not only for my community, but my environment, and I don’t want to feel like someone else is getting in the way of that, just for a dollar.”
Kern’s nomination is up against four other regional Mid-Atlantic restaurants: one in Philadelphia, one in Washington D.C., and two in Maryland.
