Cara Stadler on the WCME Midcoast Morning Buzz

Honors today for two women who figure prominently into Brunswick’s growing reputation as a fine food destination.

Cara Stadler, (pictured), the chef at Brunswick’s Tao Yuan restaurant and Zaoze Cafe, and Baobao Dumpling House in Portland, has been with us before on The Buzz, but it has been a few years.

Cara and her mother and partner Cecile Stadler, have been named semifinalists for the prestigious James Beard outstanding restaurateur award.

Tao Yuan reopened for regular service in October for the first time since it was closed for the pandemic. However, it is closed for now until February 1 for a winter break.

Cara Stadler or her restaurants have made the semi-finalist list six times in the past, five of those times for Rising Star Chef of the Year, a category that has since been renamed Emerging Chef.

The non-profit Beard Foundation says the awards, which are given to chefs and restaurants in 22 categories, “recognize exceptional talent and achievement in the culinary arts, hospitality, media, and broader food system, as well as a demonstrated commitment to racial and gender equity, community, sustainability, and a culture where all can thrive.

Cara has also just become a mom–mom to a baby girl.

We talked to her today about all of it–if you missed it you may hear it here.

Photo credit: Conde Nast Traveler