We were thrilled earlier this week to learn that Greg Wade of Publican Quality Bread, one of our favorite bakers and friend of the National Honey Board, was recognized with a James Beard Award for Outstanding Baker. The James Beard Awards are the Oscars of the food and beverage industry, and this prestigious recognition is a pinnacle achievement for any chef or baker.
Over the years, we’ve been fortunate to work with Greg several times. He attended one of our first ever Honey Baking Summits, and also participated in our Baking All-Star event, where he created an amazing hempseed honey ciabatta.
In addition to being a great baker, Greg is also heavily involved in changing our food system in America. For the last five years, we’ve been proud to support his efforts through the annual Bread Camp he ran with the Spence Farm Foundation.
This year’s James Beard Outstanding Baker finalists were stacked with bakers that have attended one of our Honey Baking Summits, which is held annually in Providence, Rhode Island. Those other finalists include:
- Zachary Golper of Bien Cuit in Brooklyn, New York, 2016 Honey Baking Summit alum
- Lisa Ludwinski of Sister Pie in Detroit, Michigan, 2017 Honey Baking Summit alum
- Maura Kilpatrick of Sofra Bakery and Café in Cambridge, Massachusetts, 2018 Honey Baking Summit alum
- Avery Ruzicka of Manresa Bread in Los Gatos, California, 2019 Honey Baking Summit attendee
Congratulations Greg on winning a James Beard Award. You deserve it, and we look forward to working with you in the future!