The James Beard Awards, established in 1990, are the nation's most prestigious honors. They recognize excellence in the culinary, hospitality, and food media industries. Often called the "Oscars of the food world," these awards celebrate exceptional talent and achievement across various food-related fields.
In 2024, the Fargo area had a bakery, chef, and two restauranteurs nominated for James Beard nominations. We interviewed them all to learn more about how they entered the food industry and what to expect at their restaurants.
Nichole Hensen
Nichole is the head chef and founder of Nichole's Fine Pastry. In 2024, she was nominated for Outstanding Bakery.
Nichole's culinary journey began with her first job at Sprouts Deli in Grand Forks, ND, and continued during a European trip with the University of North Dakota's accounting club. She visited every food shop she could find and discovered a stunning fruit tart in Paris that left a lasting impression.
Favorite dish: Lemon meringue pie is her favorite, but she also loves a fresh fruit tart.
13 South 8th St, Fargo | (701) 232-6430
In Brewhalla | 1702 1st Ave N, Fargo | (701) 232-6430
Nikki Ness Bergland & Ryan Nitschke
Nikki and Ryan own and run Luna Fargo, Sol Ave. Kitchen, Nova Eatery, Unicorn Park, Mångata Wine & Raw Bar, and House of Noods & Buns in Brewhalla. In 2024, they were nominated for James Beard Outstanding Restaurateurs. Ryan was also nominated in 2022 for the James Beard Best Chef Midwest at Luna Fargo and in 2014 at the Hotel Donaldson.
Nikki's first restaurant job was as a hostess at Mexican Village in high school. Ryan started cooking at Dairy Queen when he was 14, followed by one restaurant cook job after another.
Favorite dish: When asked what their favorite food item was, they countered that choosing their favorite child would be similar to choosing their favorite child.
Luna Fargo | 1545 S University Dr, Fargo | (701) 293-8818
Sol Ave. Kitchen | 1408 1st Ave N, Moorhead | (218) 284-7653
Nova Eatery - inside Fargo Brewing Co. | 610 N University Dr #103, Fargo | (701) 532-4129
Unicorn Park, Mångata Wine & Raw Bar, and House of Noods & Buns - inside Brewhalla | 1702 1st Ave N, Fargo | (701) 532-0506
Andrea Baumgardner
Andrea Baumgardner of the former BernBaum's was nominated for Best Chef Midwest in 2024; she was previously nominated for the award in 2020.
Andrea worked high school summers at Leeby's, a specialty grocery store and full-service deli/market in the most recent Zandbroz space. She later did stints at Burger King, which she didn't enjoy.
These Fargo-area nominees are proof of the growing food scene here. Each brings their passion and creativity. Whether visiting or living here, these restaurants must be on your list.
