Crime & Safety
James Beard Semifinalists Include Florida Restaurants
The James Beard Foundation has released a list of semifinalists, including some in Florida, for its 30th annual culinary awards competition.
SARASOTA, FL — Semifinalists announced Wednesday by the James Beard Foundation include five restaurants/chefs/bars in Florida. The awards, now in their 30th year, are regarded as the Oscar Awards of the culinary industry.
The semifinalists are in 11 categories: best new restaurant; outstanding restaurant; outstanding baker; outstanding pastry chef; outstanding chef; rising chef stars age 30 or younger; outstanding bar program; outstanding wine program; outstanding wine, beer or spirits producer; outstanding restaurateur; and outstanding hospitality.
In Florida, the semifinalists are:
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Outstanding Pastry Chef
- Antonio Bachour, Bachour, Coral Gables, Florida
- Sylvia Gould, Kool Beanz Cafe, Tallahassee, Florida
Rising Star Chef of the Year
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- Henry Moso, Kabooki Sushi, Orlando, Florida
- Valerie Chang, ITAMAE, Miami
Outstanding Restaurant
- Michael's Genuine Food & Drink, Miami
See also James Beard Foundation Semifinalists: The Full List
Finalists in all categories will be announced at a news conference at 9 a.m. EDT on March 25 in Philadelphia.
The list of semifinalists was voted on by more than 600 judges from across the country. The same group of judges — who include leading regional restaurant critics, food and wine editors, culinary instructors and past James Beard winners — vote to determine the finalists. The votes are tabulated by independent auditors from EisnerAmper.
The winners will be announced in May.
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