The Proof is in the Pudding

New Hampshire chef Chris Viaud was nominated as a James Beard Finalist for Outstanding Restaurateur

April 5, 2024

Elisa Gonzales Verdi,

Chef Chris Viaud

If you haven’t already booked a table at one of chef Chris Viaud’s restaurants, you may want to stop reading and make a reservation now. Things are about to get busy, as the seasoned chef and owner of Greenleaf and Ansanm in Milford and Pavilion in Wolfeboro was recently nominated as a James Beard Finalist for Outstanding Restauranteur.

This isn’t the first time that Viaud has found himself in the national culinary spotlight. In fact, this is Viaud’s second time being named a James Beard Semi-Finalist. Additionally, the Bostonian turned Granite Stater competed on Season 18 of Bravo’s “Top Chef“, and made it nine weeks in the competition before his eventual elimination. Closer to home, Viaud’s first restaurant, Greenleaf, has several award-wins under its belt (including four Best of New Hampshire awards).

Since his arrival in N.H., chef Viaud made it known that he was not afraid to take risks, and push boundaries. Throughout all of his culinary endeavors, Viaud made an unwavering commitment to using locally sourced ingredients to celebrate and support local farms- even if that means a menu that changes seasonally. Greenleaf’s invigorating and ever-changing menu is reflective of the season, and what produce is being locally gown at that time. Viaud’s creations involve all of your senses- from the plating to the colors to the textures, he creates an experience that involves more than just your tastebuds. At Ansanm, Viaud sources his ingredients from local farms and farmers to create delicious Hatian cuisine, and immerse you in the warmth and flavors of Haiti. Ansanm takes an interactive approach to dining, and gives you the opportunity to experience flavors and ingredients that will excite your palate. Pavilion is a little more casual, but a lack of formality doesn’t mean delicious food and impeccable service have to be sacrificed. At Pavilion, Viaud is looking to “bridge the gap between destination and neighborhood”, and he’s making it happen by bringing relaxed fine dining to Milford.

The James Beard Awards honor exceptional culinary talent, and are one of the nation’s most prestigious culinary honors. According to the James Beard Foundation, the category that Viaud was named a finalist in, Outstanding Restauranteur, honors “A restaurateur who uses their establishment(s) as a vehicle for building community, demonstrates creativity in entrepreneurship, integrity in restaurant operations, and is making efforts to create a sustainable work culture, while contributing positively to their broader community.” It’s no surprise that a chef as creative and versatile as Viaud is being recognized.

“(I) can’t even begin to describe what I’m feeling right now,” said Viaud via Instagram, “I’m humbled beyond belief to have made it as a finalist, and all I can say is there is so much more work to be done. The grind continues and I appreciate so much all the love and support from family, friends, staff and each community I reach!”

Viaud will join the other James Beard finalists for the James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards ceremony on Monday, June 10 at the Lyric Opera of Chicago.