The James Beard Awards, established in 1990, are the nation's most prestigious honors. They recognize excellence in the culinary, hospitality, and food media industries. Often called the "Oscars of the food world," these awards celebrate exceptional talent and achievement across various food-related fields.
In 2025, the Fargo area had two restauranteurs nominated for James Beard Nominations. While this isn't their first time, we interviewed them and previous nominations to learn more about how they entered the food industry and what to expect at their restaurants.
Nikki Ness Bergland & Ryan Nitschke
Nikki and Ryan own and run Luna Fargo, Sol Ave. Kitchen, Unicorn Park, Mångata Wine & Raw Bar, and House of Noods & Buns in Brewhalla.
The business partners were nominated for Outstanding Restaurateur for the second year in a row. In 2024, they were nominated for James Beard Outstanding Restaurateurs. Ryan was also nominated in 2022 for the James Beard Best Chef Midwest at Luna Fargo and in 2014 at the Hotel Donaldson.
Nikki's first restaurant job was as a hostess at Mexican Village in high school. Ryan started cooking at Dairy Queen when he was 14, followed by one restaurant cook job after another.
Favorite dish: When asked what their favorite food item was, they countered that choosing their favorite dish would be similar to choosing their favorite child.
Luna Fargo | 1545 S University Dr, Fargo | (701) 293-8818
Sol Ave. Kitchen | 1408 1st Ave N, Moorhead | (218) 284-7653
Unicorn Park, Mångata Wine & Raw Bar, and House of Noods & Buns - inside Brewhalla | 1702 1st Ave N, Fargo | (701) 532-0506
Nichole Hensen
Nichole is the head chef and founder of Nichole's Fine Pastry. She was nominated for Outstanding Bakery in 2024.
Nichole's culinary journey began with her first job at Sprouts Deli in Grand Forks, ND, and continued during a European trip with the University of North Dakota's accounting club. She visited every food shop she could find and discovered a stunning fruit tart in Paris that left a lasting impression.
Favorite dish: Lemon meringue pie is her favorite, but she also loves a fresh fruit tart.
13 South 8th St, Fargo | (701) 232-6430
In Brewhalla | 1702 1st Ave N, Fargo | (701) 232-6430
Andrea Baumgardner
Andrea Baumgardner of the former BernBaum's was nominated for Best Chef Midwest in 2024; she was previously nominated for the award in 2020.
Andrea worked high school summers at Leeby's, a specialty grocery store and full-service deli/market in the most recent Zandbroz space. She later did stints at Burger King, which she didn't enjoy.
Nikki and Ryan failed to move on from the semifinal round. Twenty restauranteurs nationwide were nominated for an award, with only five moving to the finals. Winners will be announced at the James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards ceremony on Monday, June 16, at the Lyric Opera, Chicago.
These Fargo-area nominees are proof of the growing food scene here. Each brings their passion and creativity. Whether you are visiting or living here, these restaurants must be on your list.
