CHICAGO — The James Beard Foundation’s legacy of honoring excellence in culinary achievement — including two recognitions focused on the craft of baking — continued during the 35th annual Restaurant and Chef Awards, held June 16 at the Lyric Opera of Chicago.
During this year’s festivities, Cat Cox, owner of Country Bird Bakery in Tulsa, OK, became the latest recipient of the Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker recognition. With this honor, she brings home Oklahoma’s third-ever James Beard Award.
The award — which honors an individual demonstrating exceptional skills in desserts, pastries or breads — was presented by Chef Sherry Yard, a restaurateur who received this honor in 2002, and Chef Elizabeth Falkner, awards committee chair and James Beard Foundation trustee.
“It’s so incredible to have the recognition of the hard work of myself and my whole team,” Cat said. “Getting up at 2 a.m. on a Saturday and staying in Friday nights, it makes it validating.”
Cat established Country Bird in 2022, offering her local community an array of sourdough bread and pastries made from locally sourced ingredients.
“We have an amazing community that supports us in Tulsa and shows up at the bakery week after week,” she said. “I have been so fortunate to surround myself with some pretty incredible people.”
The bakery uses grains from Oklahoma, Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri and Texas to cultivate a more complex flavor profile in its various baked good offerings.
Following her win, Cat shared with Craft to Crumb that bakers looking to venture into the baking industry or open a brick-and-mortar business should stay curious.
“Try and find inspiration everywhere,” she said. “Experiment and have fun.”
In 2024, this prestigious honor was awarded to Atsuko Fujimoto of Norimoto Bakery in Portland, ME.
