Somerville Chef Is A 2020 James Beard Award Finalist

SOMERVILLE, MA — A Somerville chef is among the finalists for the 2020 James Beard Awards. Known as the "Oscars of the culinary world," the awards recognize people and establishments that promote culinary excellence.

The list of finalists was delivered on Twitter, due to the coronavirus pandemic and the need for social distancing.

"Many restaurants are closed and some don't know if they will ever reopen," the foundation said in a statement Monday announcing the finalists. "Some have pivoted to take out, while others are feeding frontline workers and those in need. Still others are contemplating how or if they can reopen."

Said the foundation: "Congratulations to this year's nominees. We look forward to continuing to support your efforts and our industry."

Here are the nominees for best chef in Northeast (Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont):

• Vien Dobui, CÔNG TỬ BỘT, Portland, ME
• Tiffani Faison, Orfano, Boston
• Ben Jackson, Drifters Wife, Portland, ME
• Krista Kern Desjarlais, The Purple House, North Yarmouth, ME
• Greg Mitchell and Chad Conley, Palace Diner, Biddeford, ME
• Cassie Piuma, Sarma, Somerville, MA

The James Beard Awards were established in 1990 to recognize culinary professionals for excellence and achievement in their fields.

In a divergence from tradition, there will not be a physical ceremony for the awards, which will be announced by a news release on Wednesday, May 27.

See the full list of nominees for the 2020 James Beard Awards.