As someone who has been covering the cocktail scene for 20 years, I’ve been asked to serve as a judge on many panels, from a cupcake competition to the LA Spirits Awards. But this year I was asked to judge the 2025 James Beard Awards! And it was an experience unlike any other. We’re not allowed to disclose which category we participated in. But I will say that, because of the long process, versus having to reach a consensus with the other judges in one day, it allowed me grow my critical thinking, public speaking, and networking skills. Things, as someone who works from home, I don’t get to exercise all that often. But seeing the process behind these awards did show me how serious JBF takes judging. For example, we went through DEI training to learn how to identify our biases and check them at the door.

In the end, I’m glad that I said yes to this challenge, even though I was also in the middle of promoting my book. And that I splurged on the trip to attend the awards ceremony where, not only did I get to witness the exact moment the nominee became winner, but I made new friends.

Photo was taken by Wendy Miller at the JBFA after party at Chicago Union Station.