James Beard Semi-Finalists Announced

The James Beard Foundation today announced a list of semi-finalists for its prestigious national awards. The final five nominees in each category will be named March 22, with winners awarded May 3.

In the running from our delicious city:

• Best Chef Mid-Atlantic: Cathal Armstrong of Restaurant Eve, Tony Conte of The Oval Room, Peter Pastan of Obelisk, Vikram Sunderam of Rasika, Bryan Voltaggio of Volt

• Best New Restaurant: Eventide, J&G Steakhouse, Trummer's On Main

• Outstanding Chef: José Andrés of Minibar

• Outstanding Restaurant: Vidalia

• Rising Star Chef of the Year: Johnny Monis of Komi

• Outstanding Restaurateur: Ashok Bajaj, owner of 701, Ardeo, Bardeo, Bibiana, Bombay Club, Oval Room and Rasika

• Outstanding Pastry Chef: Amanda Cook of CityZen

• Outstanding Wine Service: Restaurant Eve

• Outstanding Wine and Spirits Professional: Derek Brown of The Passenger

• Outstanding Service: Marcel's

Comments

Dana said…
Um, at what point does Johnny Monis go from "rising star" to flat-out "star"? In my opinion, his star has risen; you need to call a month in advance for a reservation at his restaurant. Is it just because he is young? That strikes me as unfair.
2/18/2010 8:31 PM
Amanda said…
I do think it has to do with age, though I agree with you. He's immensely more talented than a lot of chefs who have been around a while.
2/19/2010 9:25 AM
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