San Diego Chef From Juniper & Ivy Is a 2022 James Beard Award Semifinalist | Eater San Diego

"Over nearly eight years serving local and visiting diners in San Diego, I've watched Juniper & Ivy in Little Italy grow into a nationally acclaimed, Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand–recognized foodie paradise frequently ranked Best of the Best by San Diego Magazine. The restaurant is known for its close relationships with local farmers and fishermen and for an ingredient-driven, seasonal creative direction that executive chef Anthony Wells—recently named a James Beard Foundation Best Chef, California semifinalist—has heavily shaped, including a recently revamped winter menu. Wells’ trajectory at the restaurant (he started as sous chef when it opened in March 2014, rose to chef de cuisine and then executive chef, announced in May 2021 he would shift to a culinary director role while planning his own fine-dining restaurant, returned after a brief national search and a short-lived successor, and resumed the executive chef role last fall) underscores his commitment to pushing culinary boundaries; the restaurant says his menu will continue to evolve based on what’s fresh and the strong community connections he’s fostered, and there’s a possibility owner Mike Rosen will be involved when Wells eventually opens his own place." - Nicole Adlman