Zachary Engel, the chef de cuisine at Shaya restaurant, has captured the James Beard Foundation award for Rising Star Chef of the Year.
Engel joined the staff in 2015. Last year, Shaya captured the Beard award for the nation's Best New Restaurant.
In accepting the award at a gala in Chicago on Monday night, Engel gave a shout out to New Orleans.
"To everyone in new Orleans, you've been the perfect audience," he said.
The award honors a chef under 30 "who displays an impressive talent and is likely to make a significant impact on the industry in years to come."
Rebecca Wilcomb of Herbsaint captured the award for Best Chef in the South.
Arnaud’s French 75 Bar won the award for Outstanding Bar Program.