19 Philadelphia Chefs, Restaurants Up for James Beard Awards

By Alison Smith:

The semifinalists for the 2015 James Beard Awards were announced this week, and Philadelphia got a lot of love.

The James Beard Awards are “known as the Oscars of the food world,” organizers say, honoring the best and the brightest in all parts of the industry. This year is the 25th anniversary of the awards.

Here are the Philadelphia-area eateries and chefs that are semifinalists for the 2015 James Beard Awards:

Best New Restaurant:

• Abe Fisher, Philadelphia
• Townsend, Philadelphia

Outstanding Baker:

• Andre Chin and Amanda Eap, Artisan Boulanger Patissier, Philadelphia

Outstanding Bar Program:

• The Franklin Mortgage & Investment Co., Philadelphia

Outstanding Chef:

• Michael Solomonov, Zahav, Philadelphia
• Marc Vetri, Vetri, Philadelphia

Outstanding Pastry Chef:

• Kate Jacoby, Vedge, Philadelphia

Outstanding Restaurant:

• Fork, Philadelphia

Outstanding Restaurateur:

• Stephen Starr, Starr Restaurants, Philadelphia (The Dandelion, Talula’s Garden, Serpico, and others)

Outstanding Wine, Beer or Spirits Professional:

• Tom Peters, Monk’s Café, Philadelphia
• Steve Wildy, Vetri Family, Philadelphia

Rising Star of the Year:

• Alex Bois, High Street on Market, Philadelphia
• Jon Nodler, A.kitchen, Philadelphia

Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic:

• Pierre Calmels, Bibou, Philadelphia
• Joe Cicala, Le Virtù, Philadelphia
• Nicholas Elmi, Laurel, Philadelphia
• Rich Landau, Vedge, Philadelphia
• Konstantinos Pitsillides, Kanella, Philadelphia
• Greg Vernick, Vernick Food & Drink, Philadelphia