Los Angeles chef Lord Maynard Llera has been honored as the best chef in California by the James Beard Foundation, a prestigious recognition often dubbed the “Oscars of Food.”
Llera, who owns the popular Kuya Lord restaurant on Melrose, has quickly made a name for himself in the culinary world. Kuya Lord, which opened in 2022, offers a menu inspired by Llera’s childhood in the southern Tagalog region of the Philippines. The restaurant’s offerings include thick slices of slow-roasted pork, golden garlic java rice, chami noodles, and meatless options with tofu.
“The menu is the story of my childhood food favorites,” said Llera, who moved to Los Angeles from the Philippines in 2004.
Before opening Kuya Lord, Llera honed his skills at Bestia, an upscale Italian restaurant in the Arts District. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he also ran a successful Filipino pop-up from his home, nurturing his dream of owning his own restaurant.
Hollywood-based customer Manuel Dizon praised Llera’s work, saying, “Finally, people are getting to know Filipino food. It’s about time we hear somebody with great talent to present Filipino food to that community.”
Another customer remarked, “I feel like it tastes of home but elevated.”
Winning the James Beard Award, which includes a medallion, certificate, and nationwide recognition, is a significant milestone for Llera. “Hard work and perseverance really pay off. It means a lot because, you know, it represents us,” he said. “I made, you know, my country proud.”
The James Beard Awards have celebrated culinary excellence since their inception in 1990, with the first award given in 1991.
