Boston James Beard Finalists 2019: See Who Made The List

BOSTON — Ready to go on a food tour around Boston? Now's a good time. Often dubbed the Oscars of the food world, the James Beard Foundation announced its list of finalists for the 2019 restaurant and chef awards. In February, there were nine semifinalists from Boston, including Tiffani Faison of Tiger Mama and Irene Li of Mei Mei. After going through a panel of more than 600 judges, only five Boston-area names made the finals.

Here are the Boston nominees for 2019 James Beard Foundation restaurant and chef awards:

Best Chef: Northeast finalists: (All of whom were nominated last year, too)

• Tiffani Faison, Tiger Mama (1363 Boylston St.) -Southeast Asian-inspired eats
• Tony Messina, Uni (370A Commmonwealth Ave) - Sushi, and Asian Street food
• Cassie Piuma, Sarma (249 Pearl St, Somerville) - Mediterranean

Outstanding Baker Nominee

• Maura Kilpatrick, Sofra Bakery and Café, (1 Belmont St., Cambridge) -Middle Eastern

Outstanding Restaurateur Nominee

• Ken Oringer Uni, Little Donkey, Toro, and more

This year's winners will be announced May 6, the James Beard Foundation said.

Founded in 1986, the James Beard Foundation honors chefs and other leaders making America's food culture more delicious, diverse and sustainable. A cookbook author and teacher with an encyclopedic knowledge about food, the late James Beard was a champion of American cuisine, according to the foundation.

Beard helped educate and mentor generations of professional chefs and food enthusiasts, instilling in them the value of wholesome, healthful and delicious food, according to the website. Today the foundation aims to continue that by administering programs that include educational initiatives, food industry awards, scholarships for culinary students, publications, chef advocacy training and thought-leader conventions.

Check out the full list of finalists here.

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• RI List of Finalists.