James Beard Semi-Finalists Announced

The James Beard Foundation released its list of award semi-finalists today, and there are lots of great nods for DC. 

Keep in mind, this list will be pared down to five finalists in each category before winners are chosen. The finalists will be announced March 19 and the winners, May 7. Download the full semi-finalist list here (pdf).

On the short list from the DC area are:

Best New Restaurant
Fiola
Little Serow

Outstanding Bar Program
The Columbia Room
PX

Outstanding Chef
Frank Ruta, Palena

Outstanding Pastry Chef
Tiffany MacIsaac, Birch & Barley

Outstanding Restaurant
Marcel's

Outstanding Restaurateur
Ashok Bajaj, 701, Ardeo+Bardeo, Bibiana, Bombay Club, The Oval Room, Rasika

Outstanding Service
Restaurant Eve

Outstanding Wine Program
CityZen
Restaurant Eve

Outstanding Wine and Spirits Professional
Greg Engert, Neighborhood Restaurant Group

Best Chef Mid Atlantic
Cathal Armstrong, Restaurant Eve
Tony Conte, The Oval Room
Scott Drewno, The Source
Johnny Monis, Komi
Peter Pastan, Obelisk
Vikram Sunderam, Rasika
Bryan Voltaggio, Volt

Congrats to all the semi-finalists!