News

Mandu’s Chef Danny Lee Advances to the James Beard Award Finals!

Friday April 4, 2025

Back in January, we told you about the three MVT-connected chefs who had been honored with James Beard Semifinalist Nominations and today, we’re thrilled to announce that Chef Danny Lee, who owns and operates Mandu here in MVT, and partner Scott Drewno advanced to the finals in the “Outstanding Restauranteur” category for their “The Fried Rice Collective” that includes restaurants Anju, Chiko, and I Egg You. Chef Danny took to Instagram to say:

Well this is nuts. @scottdrewno and I decided to partner together over 7 years ago (might have been some kimchi backs involved). We’ve gone through pretty much everything during that time, and I wouldn’t change a thing. We may not look like it but we are family, period. This is a huge honor and we are incredibly thankful and humbled to even be in the running.

DC – we love you.

Winners for this year’s awards will be announced on June 16. Best of luck to Chef Danny and the whole Fried Rice Collective crew, MVT is rooting for you always!