2014 James Beard Foundation Semifinalists in Chicago are here!

The James Beard Foundation announced yesterday the Chicago semifinalists for their 2014 restaurant and chef's award categories. I am thrilled to see some of my favorite Chicago restaurants and chefs in the running. The finalists from the entire country will be announced on Wednesday, March 19, at The Publican in Chicago, and the winners will be announced during the 2014 James Beard Awards, held in New York City on May 2nd and 5th. 

James Beard Foundation 

The 2014 James Beard Foundation Awards Restaurant and Chef Semifinalists

Best New Restaurant
Brindille

Nico Osteria

Outstanding Bar Program

The Violet Hour

Outstanding Chef

Carrie Nahabedian, Naha

Outstanding Pastry Chef

Dana Cree, Blackbird, Chicago

Outstanding Restaurant

Spiaggia, Chicago

Outstanding Restaurateur

Donnie Madia, One Off Hospitality Group, Chicago (Blackbird, Avec, The Publican, and others)

Outstanding Service

L2O
Topolobampo

Outstanding Wine Program

Sepia

Rising Star Chef of the Year

Jimmy Bannos Jr., The Purple Pig 
Matthew Kirkley, L2O
David Posey, Blackbird

Best Chef: Great Lakes

Dave Beran, Next
Abraham Conlon and Adrienne Lo, Fat Rice
Curtis Duffy, Grace
Paul Fehribach, Big Jones
Phillip Foss, EL Ideas
Ryan McCaskey, Acadia
Iliana Regan, Elizabeth
Jason Vincent, Nightwood
Paul Virant, Vie Restaurant, Western Springs, IL
Erling Wu-Bower, Nico Osteria
Andrew Zimmerman, Sepia