Juneau Chef Nominated For Major Award

Local Juneau chef Beau Schooler has been nominated for a James Beard Foundation Award, one of the highest honors culinary professionals can receive in the United States. This marks Schooler’s third nomination as a semifinalist for the Pacific Northwest. The only other Alaskan chef to be nominated for the award is Laura Cole, from 229 Parks Restaurant & Tavern in Denali National Park & Preserve.

Schooler is currently a chef at In Bocca Al Lupo, one of the finest Italian restaurants in the state, and located within our old Silverbow Bakery space. Schooler opened the restaurant in March of 2016 with fellow chefs Travis Smith and Luke Metcalf and it quickly became a gem of the local food scene. “In Bocca Al Lupo” roughly translates to “in the wolf’s mouth,” traditionally used to wish someone “good luck” in Italian. Schooler learned the basics of Italian cooking in Cambria, Italy and brings his passion for Italian cuisine to the restaurant kitchen every day. In Bocca Al Lupo specializes in handmade pasta, wood-fired pizza, and a variety of seasonal specials, such as coriander-crusted halibut and cast iron ribeye. Their multi-page menu also features salads, antipasti, meat and cheese boards, and an incredible wine and beer selection. In Bocca Al Lupo’s warm and casual atmosphere emphasizes shareable, family-style meals and welcoming, no-frills service. Best of all? You can enjoy gourmet cuisine at an affordable price. Most dishes cost under twenty dollars.

The James Beard Foundation will announce the final Restaurant and Chef Award nominees on Wednesday, March 27th. No matter the outcome, Beau Schooler and his team at In Bocca Al Lupo are helping to transform Juenau’s dining scene and put us on the culinary map for visitors from all across the globe.

Planning a trip to Juneau Alaska? Book a stay at the Silverbow Inn Hotel & Suites, the only boutique hotel in downtown Juneau.