Brooklyn Talent in 2016 James Beard Awards Semi-Finals

Photo courtesy of Frankies 457

Ten Brooklyn chefs, restaurateurs and restaurants were honored as semi-finalists and will be considered for finals for the 2016 James Beard Awards.

The prestigious culinary award is considered among the highest honors for food and beverage professionals in America.

According to the James Beard Foundation website, the awards were founded in 1990 to recognize excellence and achievement from culinary professionals, and to celebrate, nurture and honor America’s diverse culinary heritage through programs that educate and inspire.

Each category is organized by an individual committee of industry professionals who volunteer to oversee policies, procedures and selection of judges for awards in their category. Award winners receive a certificate and medallion engraved with the James Beard Foundation Awards insignia.

The 2016 James Beard Awards semi-finalists list was released, featuring the following Brooklyn talent, with descriptions of each category as posted on the James Beard Award website:

OUTSTANDING RESTAURANT-A restaurant in the United States that serves as a national standard bearer of consistent quality and excellence in food, atmosphere and service. Eligible restaurants must have been in operation 10 or more consecutive years.

Frankies 457, 457 Court St., Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn, NY (Also featured on Patch’s Ultimate Brunch Guide)

OUTSTANDING RESTAURATEUR-A working restaurateur who sets high national standards in restaurant operations and entrepreneurship. Candidates must have been in the restaurant business for at least 10 years. Candidates must not have won a James Beard Foundation chef award in the past five years.

Andrew Tarlow, Brooklyn, NY (owner of Diner at 85 Broadway in Williamsburg, Marlow & Sons at 81 Broadway in Williamsburg, Reynard at 80 Wythe Ave. in Greenpoint and others )

BEST CHEF-NEW YORK CITY-Chefs who have set new or consistent standards of excellence in their respective regions. Eligible candidates may be from any kind of dining establishment and must have been working as a chef for at least five years with the three most recent years spent in the region.

Rawia Bishara, Tanoreen, 7523 3rd Ave., Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, NY

Anna Klinger, Al di Là Trattoria, 248 5th Ave., Park Slope, Brooklyn, NY

Carlo Mirarchi, Blanca, 261 Moore St., East Williamsburg, Brooklyn, NY

RISING STAR CHEF OF THE YEAR-A chef age 30 or younger who displays an impressive talent and who is likely to make a significant impact on the industry in years to come

Elise Kornack, Take Root, 187 Sackett St., Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn, NY

José Ramírez-Ruiz, Semilla, 160 Havemeyer St. #5, Williamsburg, Brooklyn, NY

OUTSTANDING BAKER-A chef or baker who prepares breads, pastries or desserts in a retail bakery, and who serves as a national standard-bearer of excellence. Must have been a baker or pastry chef for at least five years.

Zachary Golper, Bien Cuit, 120 Smith St. Boerum Hill, Brooklyn

OUTSTANDING BAR PROGRAM-A restaurant or bar that demonstrates excellence in cocktail, spirits and/or beer service.

Maison Premiere, 298 Bedford Ave., Williamsburg, Brooklyn

OUTSTANDING WINE, SPIRITS, OR BEER PROFESSIONAL-A beer, wine or spirits professional who has made a significant national impact on the restaurant industry

Jeppe Jarnit-Bjergsø, Evil Twin Brewing, 446 Kent Avenue #14A, Williamsburg, Brooklyn, NY

The finalists will be named in San Francisco on March 15.

The 2016 James Beard Awards Gala, hosted by Carla Hall of ABC’s food show “The Chew,” will take place at Lyric Opera of Chicago on Monday, May 2.

Who will make the cut? Check back with Patch to find out!