The Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce proudly honors James Beard Nominee, Executive Chef David Standridge of The Shipwright’s Daughter, in the latest installment of the ‘Community Proud’ series, sponsored by CorePlus Credit Union. David has been named a finalist in the 2024 James Beard Awards in the category of Best Chef, Northeast. The recognition highlights Standridge’s exceptional culinary talents and his innovative approach to cuisine. 

“I often just think of how lucky we are to have ended up here in Mystic. We got here in 2019 and were struck immediately by the generosity and spirit of collaboration that exists here” said Standride. “It’s been a privilege to bring The Shipwright’s Daughter to life, and add our vision to the fabric of the Mystic restaurant scene. As a chef, and a father I try to do what I can to leave this world and community better than I found it. The magic of restaurants and dining is in the power of food and beverage and sharing a meal to bring people together and inspire a sense of community and comradery that is already so powerful in our little coastal village.“ 

Chef David embodies the perfect marriage of culinary excellence and the power of food to transform our communities and environments. He is a board member of Eating with the Ecosystem and is a leader in the James Beard Smart Catch program, exhibiting his dedication to sustainable sourcing. By utilizing wild, abundant fish species caught by small fishermen, David has discovered a way to support his community and preserve the integrity of our ecosystem. This approach also benefits the environment by reducing fuel consumption when transporting goods and incorporating alternative/invasive fish species. Sustainability is the driving force behind every choice made by Chef David. His focus on sustainability is all-encompassing, extending to responsible sourcing, as well as providing opportunities for team members to advance in their culinary and hospitality careers. 

David's goal is to create a sustainable career path in the restaurant industry. To achieve this, he provides healthcare, matching retirement savings, free education, culinary scholarships, regular check-ins, and growth plans to his employees. David is a fierce advocate for his community and frequently organizes events that showcase local farmers and distinctive flavors of New England cuisine. At The Shipwright's Daughter, guests enjoy farm dinners that aim to protect small, biodiverse farms, attend showcase dinners that feature climate change fighting superfoods, such as New England Sugar Kelp, and even participate in fundraisers to support an employee in their recovery from Cancer.

Join us as we celebrate Chef David’s contributions to the Mystic community and in wishing him luck on his James Beard nomination.