New Jersey Has 4 James Beard Semifinalists

NEW JERSEY – Four New Jersey restaurants and critically acclaimed chefs are vying for top honors in one of the nation's most respected food competitions.

Semifinalists announced Wednesday by the James Beard Foundation include three restaurants and chefs in New Jersey. 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 New Jersey, the semifinalists are:

• Outstanding chef: Maricel Presilla, Cucharamama, Hoboken, New Jersey
• Outstanding hospitality: 5 Fox Place, Jersey City, New Jersey
• Outstanding restaurateur: Cookie Till, Margate (Steve and Cookie's, Ventnor No. 7311)
• Rising star chef of the year: Robbie Felice, Viaggio Ristorante, Wayne

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.

You can find the full list here: James Beard Culinary Awards Semifinalists 2020: The Full List

Recent published stories have also highlighted New Jersey's expertise in food preparation:

• 30 Best New NJ Restaurants In 2020: New NJ Monthly Rankings
• Best Restaurants In (Or Close To) NJ: Daily Meal's 2019 List