Sheridan Restaurant Earns National Recognition as James Beard Semifinalist
Courtesy Le Reve Restaurant and Raw Bar
La Rêve Restaurant and Raw Bar in downtown Sheridan has been named a semifinalist for the prestigious James Beard Foundation Awards, recognized as one of the Top 30 Best New Places to Eat in the nation, Wyoming News Now reports.
This honor places the Wyoming restaurant in the running for one of the culinary world’s most coveted distinctions.
Christer Johansson, co-owner of La Rêve, expressed both surprise and pride at the nomination, which came just five months after the restaurant opened its doors in September.
“When we started, we told ourselves our goal is to make a James Beard award, and here we are five months in, getting mentioned,” Johansson said.
La Rêve, which means “the dream” in French, was born from Johansson and his wife’s vision to create a unique dining experience in Sheridan. Housed in a renovated historic building, the restaurant aims to transport guests to a space that feels distinct from the traditional Wyoming dining scene.
“We wanted to create an experience where you enter this place and almost feel like you leave Sheridan for a moment and step into what might be your dream,” Johansson explained.
With a menu featuring dishes uncommon in the region, La Rêve has quickly gained a reputation for its culinary creativity and sophisticated ambiance.
Johansson believes the recognition is not just a win for the restaurant but also a boost for Sheridan and the entire state.
“It’s not just for us working here — it’s something for the whole town and, in a way, the whole state to be proud of,” he said.
La Rêve will now advance to the next round of the competition, where the James Beard Foundation will narrow the field to the top 10.
La Rêve is not the only Wyoming culinary establishment to receive recognition this year. Atelier Ortega in Jackson Hole was acknowledged for Outstanding Bakery, while Porter Koury and Jacob Scott at Sitti’s Table in Cody were nominated for Best Chef in the Mountain States.
