Midtown Restaurants, Chefs Are Finalists For James Beard

The James Beard Foundation has announced the 2019 finalists for the prestigious awards sometimes referred to as the Oscars of the culinary world. The finalists were announced on Wednesday and several Midtown restaurants and chefs in Atlanta are on the list.

In Atlanta, the restaurants and/or chefs that are finalists for the awards are:

• Miller Union, Outstanding Wine Program
• Hugh Acheson, Empire State South, Outstanding Restaurateur
• Ryan Smith, Staplehouse, Best Chef Southeast
• Ticonderoga Club, Outstanding Bar Program

Also a finalist for Outstanding Bar Program is the Kimball House in Decatur.

Finalists were announced by chef Hugo Ortega in Houston during a ceremony at his namesake Mexican restaurant, Hugo’s. The nominees are for James Beard awards in restaurant and chef, media and restaurant design categories.

The awards will be presented on May 6 at the Lyric Opera in Chicago.

The foundation said that 2019’s theme is “Good Food For Good,” which is synonymous with its mission.

“It is the simple summation of what the organization stands for, from unique and delicious dining experiences at the James Beard House and around the country, to scholarships, mentorships, and a variety of industry programs that educate and empower leaders in the food community,” the foundation said in a press release.

The awards, which “recognize culinary professionals for excellence and achievement in their fields” were established in 1990. According to the foundation, each award category has an individual committee made up of industry professionals. Each committee oversees “the policies, procedures, and selection of judges for their respective awards programs,” the foundation says.

Winners receive a certificate and medallion engraved with the foundation’s insignia.

You can see the full list of nominees here.

Beth Dalbey contributed to this report.