Chef Hardette Harris, the owner and chef of “Us Up North” located at 300 N Allen Ave. in Shreveport, has been announced as a semifinalist for the prestigious James Beard Foundation Award. The announcement was made on Wednesday, January 24, marking a significant recognition for her culinary contributions.
Chef Harris, originally from Minden, Louisiana, has an impressive culinary background, having served as a private chef in Houston, San Antonio, and her native Louisiana. Her dedication to celebrating North Louisiana cuisine led to a historic moment in 2015 when she collaborated with State Representative Gene Reynolds to establish North Louisiana’s official meal, a distinction granted by House Concurrent Resolution No. 88.
Expressing her passion for home cooking and home cooks, Chef Harris stated, “My love for home cooking and home cooks is my total inspiration.” Her commitment to showcasing the culinary uniqueness of North Louisiana earned her accolades, including being named a “Louisianian of the Year” by Louisiana Life Magazine in 2017.
As a semifinalist for the James Beard Foundation Award, Chef Harris is in the running for the Best Chef category, representing one of the 20 chefs from across the southern region. The final nominees will be unveiled on April 3, with the award winners announced at a gala in Chicago on June 10.
“I’m still in shock,” Harris expressed upon learning about the nomination. “Celebrating north Louisiana cuisine is what I do, and to be recognized for it means the world to me. To make it on this list is a big deal, and I’m proud of myself.”
Chef Harris joins the ranks of esteemed chefs, and her nomination underscores the culinary excellence present in the Shreveport-Bossier area. Notably, she is only the second restaurateur from the region to achieve semifinalist status for this prestigious award, following the late Kuan Lim, owner of Lucky Palace Chinese Restaurant in Bossier City.
For now, Chef Harris eagerly anticipates the final announcement in April, hoping to secure a place among the winners and further elevate the profile of North Louisiana’s distinctive culinary offerings.