BOSTON — Several Massachusetts chefs and restaurants have been nominated for a James Beard Award, the Oscars of the food world.
The James Beard Foundation gives out awards every year, recognizing excellence in the restaurant world, including wine, spirits and pastries.
The semifinalists are selected from more than 24,000 entries for 21 different categories. On Wednesday, March 15, the foundation will announce the final nominees for all awards.
For those looking for a new restaurant to try, here's a list to start.
Best New Restaurant:
Outstanding Restauranter:
Garrett Harker, Boston (Eastern Standard Kitchen & Drinks, Island Creek Oyster Bar, Row 34, and others)
Ken Oringer, Boston (Uni, Toro, Coppa, and others)
Outstanding Bar Program:
Outstanding Service:
Eastern Standard Kitchen & Drinks, Boston
Outstanding Wine Program:
O Ya, Boston
Outstanding Chef:
Ana Sortun, Oleana, Cambridge, MA
Outstanding Pastry Chef:
Maura Kilpatrick, Oleana, Cambridge, MA
Outstanding Wine, Beer or Spirits professional:
Chris Weld, Berkshire Mountain Distillers, Sheffield, MA
Rising Star Chef of the Year:
Irene Li, Mei Mei, Boston
Juan Pedrosa, Yvonne's, Boston
Best Chef, Northeast:
Karen Akunowicz, Myers + Chang, Boston
Plenty #ValentinesDay specials for tonight AND tomorrow! Here's our Fluke Crudo with Blood Orange! #yummeyumyou pic.twitter.com/Z9gB7Igr75
— Myers + Chang (@myersandchang) February 13, 2017
Alex Crabb, Asta, Boston
Tony Messina, Uni, Boston
Unmi Abkin, Coco & The Cellar Bar, Easthampton, MA
Cassie Piuma, Sarma, Somerville, MA
Susan Regis, Shepard, Cambridge, MA
Marc Sheehan, Loyal Nine, Cambridge, MA
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