Naiker is new to the James Beard Awards, as this is his first nomination, and it landed him in the finals for the Emerging Chef category. He was born in Fiji and raised in California's Bay Area. He has his residency at 51 Courtland St. within the speakeasy, The Courtland Club. His kitchen is barely larger than a closet, but he makes magic there.

Mawn's chef Phila Lorn scored a big W on Monday night at the James Beard Awards. Why it matters: "The Beards" are a big deal, considered the Oscars of the American hospitality industry. Zoom in: Lorn won an award in the Emerging Chef category.

James Beard-nominated pastry chef and co-founder of Bakey in Boston gives insight on how to make his world-famous babka.