Dane Baldwin of The Diplomat restaurant in Milwaukee wins James Beard award for 'Best Chef: Midwest'

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- A Milwaukee chef took home a huge honor this week. Dane Baldwin of The Diplomat was honored as "Best Chef: Midwest" by the James Beard Foundation. 

Baldwin opened The Diplomat on Brady Street in 2017, but he says his career in Milwaukee has spanned two decades. 

Baldwin says he was shocked to get the award and calls this a win for the entire city of Milwaukee. 

"This is a win for the city, this is a win for the industry in our city. This is definitely a shared thing in a lot of ways," said Baldwin.

Baldwin beat out two other nominees from Milwaukee restaurants, and three others from Minneapolis. 

The James Beard Foundation was established more than 30 years ago, and recognizes culinary excellence from around the country.