Restaurants & Bars

17 VA, DC Restaurants, Chefs Named James Beard Award Semifinalists

More than a dozen DC and VA chefs and restaurants have been nominated as semifinalists in the "Oscars of the food world." See them here.

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WASHINGTON, DC — Restaurants and chefs in the District and Virginia are well represented in the semifinalists announced Wednesday for the prestigious 2023 James Beard Awards, sometimes referred to as the Oscars of the culinary arts industry.

Named for the late chef, cookbook author and food presenter James Beard, the awards “recognize exceptional talent in the culinary and food media industries, as well as a demonstrated commitment to racial and gender equity, community, sustainability, and a culture where all can thrive,” the James Beard Foundation said Wednesday in a news release.

The semifinalists are recognized across 23 categories, including a new award for outstanding bakery.

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Here are 2023 James Beard Award nominees from Virginia and the District of Columbia:

Outstanding Restaurateur

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  • Michael Reginbogin and Jason Berry, KNEAD Hospitality + Design (MI VIDA, Lil’ SUCCOTASH, and GATSBY), Washington, D.C.

Outstanding Chef

  • Rob Rubba, Oyster Oyster, Washington, D.C.

Outstanding Restaurant

  • RIS, Washington, D.C

Emerging Chef

  • Elias Taddesse, Mélange, Washington, D.C

Best New Restaurant

  • Bar Spero, Washington, D.C.
  • Causa, Washington, D.C.

Outstanding Wine or Other Beverages Program

  • Flight Wine Bar, Washington, D.C

Outstanding Bar

  • Allegory, Washington, D.C.

Best Chefs In Mid-Atlantic

  • Joy Crump, FOODE, Fredericksburg, VA
  • David Deshaies, L'Ardente, Washington, D.C.
  • Rahman "Rock" Harper, Queen Mother's Fried Chicken, Arlington, VA
  • Enrique Limardo, Seven Reasons, Washington, D.C.
  • Peter Prime, Bammy's, Washington, D.C.
  • Michael Rafidi, Albi, Washington, D.C.
  • Ryan Ratino, Bresca, Washington, D.C.
  • Omar Rodriguez, Oyamel Cocina Mexicana, Washington, D.C.
  • Kevin Tien, Moon Rabbit, Washington, D.C.

Award nominees will be announced March 29, and the winners will be celebrated at the James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards Ceremony on June 5 at the Lyric Opera in Chicago.

Related: 4 MD Restaurants, Chefs Named James Beard Award Semifinalists

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