Bellingham Chef Earns Prestigious James Beard Award Nomination

A Bellingham chef is officially in the running for one of the culinary world's highest honors.

Jordan Koplowitz, the chef and co-owner of downtown's Starla’s, has been named a semifinalist for a 2026 James Beard Award.

The announcement sent a ripple of excitement through the local food community.

Koplowitz is one of just 20 chefs recognized in the Best Chef: Northwest and Pacific category, which covers Washington, Oregon, Alaska, and Hawaii.

Notably, he is the only nominee from Washington state located outside of the Seattle metropolitan area.

This nomination places Bellingham restaurants firmly on the national culinary map.

The James Beard Awards are often called the "Oscars of the food world," making this a monumental achievement for any chef.

Starla's, which opened on State Street in August 2024 as a natural wine bar, quickly gained a loyal following.

Koplowitz and co-owner Christy Wyble introduced their now-famous sourdough pizza menu in February 2025, cementing their status as a local hotspot.

The eatery has earned acclaim for its unique combination of natural wines and impeccably crispy, long-fermented sourdough pizzas.

The recognition marks a significant moment for the Whatcom County food scene, which has been blossoming with farm-to-table and sea-to-table dining experiences.

Koplowitz is the first chef from the county to be nominated since 2015, highlighting a decade of growth and innovation in the local restaurant industry.

Finalists for the prestigious awards will be announced on March 31, with winners celebrated at a gala in Chicago on June 15.

For now, Bellingham has a culinary star to cheer for on the national stage.