Meet Columbia’s James Beard Award finalists

Columbia’s Lula Drake Wine Parlour (Outstanding Wine Program) and Robbie Robinson of City Limits Barbecue (Best Chef Southeast) are finalists in the 2024 James Beard Awards.

4Y3A8427.jpg

James Beard Award finalist Robbie Robinson loads up the smoker with red hot coals. | Photo by COLAtoday

The Capital City is once again on the national culinary stage, with two local favorites named as finalists for the prestigious 2024 James Beard Awards.

Lula Drake Wine Parlour has been nominated for its Outstanding Wine Program, and Robbie Robinson of City Limits Barbecue in West Columbia is up for Best Chef Southeast. The winners will be announced at the Lyric Opera of Chicago on June 10, with the ceremony livestreamed on Eater.

Pro tips if you’re trying City Limits Q:

  • Be prepared to wait in line. The word is out and it’s only open on weekends. Chef Robinson let us know that 1:30-2 p.m. is a great time to arrive.
  • Sign up for the City Limits newsletter to find out what will be on the menu each weekend.

Pro tips if you’re trying Lula Drake:

  • On Wednesday evenings, pair your wine with the Dorsia Pasta special. We hear the Cacio e Pepe is heavenly.
  • Don’t miss out on the Jamon Iberico, the finest ham around. Also, ask the bartender for a “funky” red wine recommendation.
More from COLAtoday
Spring football gives way to a Darius Rucker–headlined concert and free Garnet & Black block party on Saturday, April 11.
SOCO opens a 9,500-sqft coworking space inside Gather COLA in the BullStreet District.
Dining in Columbia is always a fresh experience, with new restaurants popping up all the time — and more on the way.
Needlepoint is one of the biggest “analog hobby” trends. Here’s where to learn and meet other stitchers.
A Mount Pleasant artisan’s massive sweetgrass basket is now on display at the South Carolina State Museum.
Lexington’s Wingard’s Market leads USA TODAY’s Best Plant Nursery vote, and supporters can cast ballots daily through March 9 to keep them at No. 1.
Anchor Investment Management is celebrating 25 years by awarding $25,000 in grants to Midlands nonprofits focused on health and education.
Learn how and where to play disc golf in the Capital City.
Build your social network through team-building sports in Columbia, like kickball, softball, and pickleball.
Live DJ, food trucks, yard games and family fun kick off the Battle at BullStreet before gates open.