Chris Barnum-Dann, Executive Chef and Owner of Sacramento fine-dining restaurant, Localis, earned a prestigious Michelin Star.
Sacramento Restaurant Localis Earns Michelin Star
On Monday, December 5, 2022, a van load of Localis staff and Barnum-Dann’s friends and family drove the 8 hours from Sacramento to Los Angeles for the Michelin ceremony to celebrate the achievement.
Chris Barnum-Dann and his wife and Localis co-owner, Jessica, attended the ceremony as their entourage gathered in a nearby bar to live stream the occasion. As Barnum-Dann’s name was called, the gathering erupted in jubilation. The bar staff joined in the celebration, treating the visiting Localis staff and supporters to celebratory shots as they cheered, laughed, and cried over the victory.
The timing of the prestigious award—only awarded to 89 restaurants in North America in 2022—was especially poignant.
Barnum-Dann had set a personal goal of achieving a Michelin Star before his 40th birthday. Two weeks after his birthday had come and gone, Barnum-Dann received word from Michelin.
The 40-year-old Sacramento chef had earned his star.
Localis Becomes Sacramento’s 2nd Michelin Star Restaurant
Barnum-Dann’s Localis is the second Sacramento restaurant to earn the coveted Michelin Star.
In 2019, The Kitchen earned a Michelin Star for its farm-to-fork dining experience. The Kitchen has maintained its star each year since.
While the Michelin Star is one of the most sought-after awards in the restaurant industry, it’s not the first accolade earned by Barnum-Dann.
Earlier this year, the executive chef was named a “Best Chef” semifinalist for the California region James Beard Awards.
And in 2021, Barnum-Dann earned a Michelin Plate Award, a designation given to “notable” restaurants with quality food and service.
What’s Next for Localis Chef Chris Barnum-Dann?
One might think that Barnum-Dann might slow down and enjoy his victory after earning the most prestigious award in the food industry—and meeting his personal goal of doing so by his 40th birthday.
But this Chef has other plans.
In addition to his Midtown Sacramento fine-dining restaurant, Barnum-Dann is the consulting chef behind Sacramento’s Scorpio Coffee and Auburn’s The Pour Choice craft coffee bar and tap room.
In 2023, Barnum-Dann will continue collaborating with Pour Choice owners Jordan and Melinda Minyard as partner and Executive Chef at Kindred, where Barnum-Dann will operate the bistro/ creamery.
Learn more about Chef Barnum-Dann’s Sacramento-region restaurants.
Experience Sacramento’s Latest Michelin Star Restaurant
Explore Localis and discover why Michelin has endowed this Midtown restaurant with a coveted Michelin Star award.
Localis is located at 2031 S St, Sacramento in the vibrant midtown community. It’s a fine dining restaurant whose mission is to give guests the best possible tasting menu experience using the freshest ingredients.
Once a restaurant earns a Michelin Star, you can bet that demand will follow. So be sure to make a reservation and book your table soon!
We’re Proud to Partner with Localis
We’re proud to be a Localis partner, providing the best-quality artisan ice for Barnum-Dann and his staff to use in cocktails and spirits that complement the award-winning cuisine. Our family-owned and operated craft ice company applauds the efforts of Chef Chris Barnum-Dann: congratulations on your well-earned achievement. You deserve it!
Sacramento Michelin Star recipients Localis and The Kitchen choose to serve Block Ice in their restaurants. Explore our Michelin-rated partners, and contact us to learn more about serving Block Ice in your bar, restaurant, or hotel.
