Dave Willocks '97 Named James Beard Award Finalist for Best Chef: Southeast
When Dave Willocks graduated from the Evergreen Campus of Indian Creek School in 1997, few could have predicted he would one day be mentioned in the same breath as the most celebrated chefs in America. But that's exactly where he finds himself in 2026.
Willocks, who owns and operates The Baker's Table in Newport, Kentucky with his wife, designer Wendy Braun, has been named a finalist for the 2026 James Beard Award for Best Chef: Southeast. This is his first time reaching the finalist stage. Often called the Oscars ofthe food world, the James Beard Awards recognize culinary excellence across 25 categories.
The Baker's Table is the realization of a culinary vision Willocks developed during his training in the kitchens of Berkeley and Oakland, California — the mecca of farm-to-table cooking — where menus changed daily and bi-weekly trips to farmers' markets were standard fare (Bakerstablenewport.com). When the restaurant opened in 2018 in the historic Monmouth Street district of Newport, it was immediately named one of the Best New Restaurants in America by both Eater.com and USA Today.
Dave attributes his success to thinking outside the box and living out his team's guiding mantra: feed people with love. Local ingredients are central to the vision, with produce and protein sourced from Ohio and Kentucky farmers alongside house-made items.
The Adventurist Magazine described The Baker's Table as Willocks's argument that fine dining can still feel warm, not ceremonial. Apparently, the James Beard Foundation agrees. The winners will be celebrated at a ceremony on June 15 at the Lyric Opera of Chicago.
Indian Creek will be watching and rooting for you, Dave!
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Willocks, who owns and operates The Baker's Table in Newport, Kentucky with his wife, designer Wendy Braun, has been named a finalist for the 2026 James Beard Award for Best Chef: Southeast. This is his first time reaching the finalist stage. Often called the Oscars ofthe food world, the James Beard Awards recognize culinary excellence across 25 categories.
The Baker's Table is the realization of a culinary vision Willocks developed during his training in the kitchens of Berkeley and Oakland, California — the mecca of farm-to-table cooking — where menus changed daily and bi-weekly trips to farmers' markets were standard fare (Bakerstablenewport.com). When the restaurant opened in 2018 in the historic Monmouth Street district of Newport, it was immediately named one of the Best New Restaurants in America by both Eater.com and USA Today.
Dave attributes his success to thinking outside the box and living out his team's guiding mantra: feed people with love. Local ingredients are central to the vision, with produce and protein sourced from Ohio and Kentucky farmers alongside house-made items.
The Adventurist Magazine described The Baker's Table as Willocks's argument that fine dining can still feel warm, not ceremonial. Apparently, the James Beard Foundation agrees. The winners will be celebrated at a ceremony on June 15 at the Lyric Opera of Chicago.
Indian Creek will be watching and rooting for you, Dave!
Indian Creek School
Indian Creek school is a co-educational, college preparatory independent school, located in Crownsville, Maryland. Students in Pre-K3 through grade 12 receive a vibrant educational experience based on excellent academics steeped in strong student-teacher connections.
