In June, chef Dave Beran received the James Beard Foundation award for Best Chef in California, recognizing his work at his intimate Santa Monica restaurant. The venue, a 38-seat black box theater-style space, represents the culmination of Beran’s extensive experience in contemporary fine dining.

Beran previously led the kitchen at Next in Chicago, a restaurant known for its rotating, rigorously researched culinary themes that change three times annually. His tenure there fostered a scholarly approach to crafting tasting menus, blending innovation with deep culinary knowledge.

Before opening his current restaurant, Beran ran Dialogue, a now-closed establishment that garnered attention for its blend of surreal and seasonal elements. Critics noted his artistic plating style, drawing comparisons to movements such as naturalism and abstractionism, with visual references akin to the work of Georgia O’Keeffe. Dishes often incorporate unexpected combinations—such as caviar paired with coffee, or sausage-stuffed squash blossoms covered in Béarnaise sauce—that balance on the fine line between the avant-garde and pleasurable dining.

Beran emphasizes not only culinary creativity but also hospitality, with chefs and staff actively engaging guests to enhance the dining experience. His work navigates the complex relationship between intellectual curiosity, sensory enjoyment, and adventurous eating, aiming to make patrons feel welcomed as they explore his inventive menus.