The author reflects on the disappointment of her cookbook, "Portico," not winning a James Beard Media Award despite high hopes and extensive efforts.

Michael Rafidi, a Palestinian-American chef, won the Outstanding Chef award at the 2024 James Beard Awards, dedicating his win to Palestine.

Jeremy Salamon, a Jewish chef in Brooklyn, draws inspiration from his Hungarian-Jewish grandma, Agi, a Holocaust survivor, serving her comfort foods like palacsinta at his restaurant, Agis Counter.

The article begins with a recipe for Grilled Halloumi, Peach, and Watermelon Skewers, which combines the flavors of halloumi cheese, watermelon, and peaches on the grill.