Local Flavor: Biddeford restaurant nominated James Beard Award semifinalist

The owners of Fish and Whistle in Biddeford are 2025 James Beard Awards semifinalists. {more}}

The James Beard Foundation Restaurant and Chef Awards were established in 1990, with the first awards presented in 1991. The awards celebrate excellence in all types of dining experiences.

Husband and wife Jason Eckerson and Kate Hamm, owners of Fish and Whistle, have been named semifinalists in the Emerging Chef category.

The Emerging Chef award, according to a press release from the James Beard Foundation,  is presented to “A chef who displays exceptional talent, character, and leadership ability, and who is likely to make a significant impact in years to come.”

Award nominees will be announced on Wednesday, April 2, with an awards ceremony scheduled for Monday, June 16, at the Lyric Opera of Chicago.

Hamm, prior to owning the Fish and Whistle, was nominated as a James Beard Award finalist for Outstanding Pastry Chef.

Eckerson and Hamm opened Fish and Whistle in 2022 at 299 Main St., serving fish and chips and other fresh seafood dishes, handcrafted pastries and house-made soft serve.

Liz Gotthelf is the publisher of Saco Bay News. She also loves to eat – and support local businesses. If you have any local restaurant or food news, she’d love to hear from you. Send her an email at newsdesk@sacobaynews.com.