And the animals that stole the show. [View on web]( [A photo of cookbook author Abi Balingit holding up her medal for James Beard Emerging Voice Award in Books]( Eater This week, the James Beard Foundation held its annual awards ceremonies honoring restaurants and chefs, and other hospitality industry professionals. Although the [winners have been announced]( â and are still garnering a wide range of strong feelings â the awards were just the tip of the iceberg at the event. This yearâs Beards Awards definitely highlighted a lot of exceptional fashion and styling decisions, however, the resounding show stealer wasnât a chef, cook, or restaurant group; it was an octopus. To find out more about the food-themed fashion accessory that left fashionable diners floored, Eater spoke with Mayumu cookbook author Abi Balingit, who took home the 2024 James Beard Emerging Voice Award in Books. [Abi Balingit at the podium on stage at the James Beard Awards]( Stephanie Wu/Eater Balingit: I knew people would be dressed up in some capacity, but I wasnât sure just how much. So, I went to [Depop and Etsy](, platforms I love going to because itâs so fun finding vintage, upcycled, and handmade pieces. I feel like itâs so exciting to discover new artists that are making handmade bonnets out of felt, chainmail, and tulle. So, when I saw the octopus hat on Rae Swonâs Instagram, I knew Iâd found something special. Iâm not a stranger to really wild hats, and I am so fascinated by needle felting that it felt unreal. They have swan hats and possum bags that are so realistic. Itâs handmade but not custom-made solely for me. Itâs the kind of style that molds to your head since it is made of a felt material. This is embarrassing. [Laughs] Iâm going behind the veil here, but Iâm really awkward with my body, so I really had to practice how I would handle wearing the hat and moving in the ways I might need to if I were to win, which was still so uncertain in the moment. I spent time laughing at myself and my boyfriend while I experimented with having someone else place a medal around my neck without having the octopus fall off onstage. But after I received the award, a lot of people would come up to me saying that they loved my hat before saying congratulations about the award. [Laughs] [Art Smith (right) walks the red carpet with husband Jesus Salgueiro (left) and two pups, Gia and Pepe.]( The other stars of the show? Two pups, named Gia and Pepe, who walked the red carpet alongside Art Smith (right) and husband Jesus Salgueiro (left). | [Barry Brecheisen]( Later that evening, I was at an afterparty at Esme when I was approached by a photographer named [Paul Octavious]( who asked me to pose with it, saying it caught their eye. Seeing the images on Instagram later felt like a nice way to top off the journey of writing this cookbook. It felt like planning a wedding, but itâs not just my wedding. Itâs been overwhelming for me because Iâm just one person among so many talented bakers and authors. Meeting so many Filipino chefs and bakers and coffee shop owners who have encouraged me along the way was a reminder that our community is just so strong. Iâm overwhelmed by all of the supportive messages that have been coming in â both about the book and the octopus that topped off an amazing celebration. [Click here to see more]( [Levi Hastings]( More for the table: - In the latest installment of our ongoing Queer Table series, freelance writer Rax Will explores [how centering queer values in hospitality]( could change the industry for the better. After publication, Will [deemed the piece]( âthe closest Iâve ever been to âmy artâ in journalismâ in their Instagram story.
- Competitive Joey Chestnut announced he wouldnât be participating in this yearâs Nathanâs Famous 4th of July hot dog-eating contest, which he has won 16 times. The fallout created some reality television-worthy drama. Hereâs [what you need to know](.
- Bad news for movie-goers who talk in the theater: Global entertainment company Sony Pictures Entertainment [acquired Austin-based movie theater-and-restaurant chain Alamo Drafthouse](.
- Lovers of girl dinner and Costco-sized snacking, rejoice! [The snackle box is everywhere]( now. Watch our James Beard Award show recap: [Instagram]( If you like this email, please forward it to a friend. If you aren't signed up for this newsletter, you can [do so right here](.
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