This is an incredible honor for Chef Darian,their team, Buffalo’s culinary community, and everyone who has supported them along the way. Now, we’re asking for your help!

The James Beard Awards are among the most prestigious honors in the culinary industry, and you can help Chef Darian receive national recognition by submitting a recommendation for Emerging Chef.

We’ve put together this easy guide to help you through the process.

How to Nominate Chef Darian — Step by Step

STEP 1: Visit the Official James Beard Awards Website

👉 https://jamesbeardawards.awardsplatform.com/

This is the official submission portal for the James Beard Awards.

STEP 2: Register for an Account

• Create an account using your email address.
• Follow the registration instructions.
• Remember which email address you use, as it will be connected to your submission.
• Select “All Cookies” at the top of the page to receive updates about your submission.

STEP 3: Start Your Entry

Once logged in, select the option to start a new entry.

Choose:

Award Program: Restaurant and Chef Awards
Category: Emerging Chef

Enter Chef Darian’s information where requested:

• Chef’s Name: Darian Bryan
• Primary Restaurant: Bratts Hill
• Additional Restaurant: Reserve Steakhouse by Chef Darian
• Location: Buffalo, New York
• Bratts Hill: www.brattshill.com
• Reserve Steakhouse: www.reservesteak.com

STEP 4: Tell Them Why Chef Darian Deserves This Recognition

This is where your voice can make a difference!

Share what makes Chef Darian an exceptional chef and why you believe he deserves to be recognized nationally.

You don’t need to be a professional writer. A few thoughtful sentences about his food, leadership, accomplishments, or impact on the community can be meaningful.

Need Some Inspiration? Here Are a Few Things You Can Highlight!

His Unique Culinary Style

Chef Darian brings Jamaican flavors and heritage to contemporary fine dining, combining traditional Caribbean ingredients with modern techniques. Through Bratts Hill, he has introduced Buffalo to an exciting and elevated expression of Jamaican cuisine.

🏆 His National Accomplishments

Chef Darian won Season 5 of FOX’s Next Level Chef, showcasing his creativity, skill, and ability to perform at the highest level of culinary competition.

👨🏾‍🍳 His Growth & Entrepreneurship

In just a few years, Chef Darian and his team have grown from private chef experiences and catering into multiple restaurant concepts, including Bratts Hill, the Jerk Hut, and Reserve Steakhouse. His success has created jobs, opportunities, and new dining experiences in Buffalo.

❤️ His Commitment to Community

Chef Darian uses food to bring people together. Through the Chef Darian Bryan Foundation, his annual Jamaican Market Festival, disaster relief efforts, and local charitable initiatives, he continues to give back to the communities that have supported him.

🌎 His Impact on Buffalo & Jamaican Culture

As a Jamaican-born chef building his career in Buffalo, Chef Darian proudly represents his heritage while helping bring national attention to Western New York’s culinary scene. He also uses his platform to celebrate other local chefs, businesses, and culinary talent.

⭐ His Leadership & Future Potential

Beyond his accomplishments, Chef Darian is building a hospitality culture centered on respect, opportunity, mentorship, and excellence. His journey reflects not only what he has achieved, but the impact he can continue to make on the culinary industry.

Most importantly, we encourage you to write in your own words and share your personal experience with Chef Darian and his food.

STEP 5: Save & Submit Your Entry

The submission platform allows you to save your entry while it is in progress.

When you’re finished, make sure you select Submit Entry and complete any final confirmation steps.

Saving an entry does not mean it has been submitted!

Submission Deadline: November 30, 2026

Learn More About Chef Darian’s Selection

Visit Buffalo recently published a wonderful feature about Chef Darian, highlighting his restaurants, culinary accomplishments, Jamaican heritage, and commitment to the community.

Read the Visit Buffalo feature:
https://visitbuffalo.com/jamesbeard

This article is a great resource if you’d like to learn more before writing your recommendation.

Every Voice Matters!

Whether you’ve dined at Bratts Hill, enjoyed an evening at Reserve Steakhouse, attended one of our events, or simply followed Chef Darian’s journey, we would be incredibly grateful for your support.

Submit your recommendation here:

👉 https://jamesbeardawards.awardsplatform.com/

Thank you for believing in Chef Darian, supporting our restaurants, and helping us show the country what Buffalo’s culinary community has to offer.

With love and gratitude,

Chef Darian Bryan & The Plating Society Hospitality Group Team

Bratts Hill | Reserve Steakhouse | The Plating Society