Chef Anthony Andiario, who has been wowing diners with culinary creations at his eponymous restaurant in West Chester, is one of the semifinalists for the 2022 James Beard Awards. Laura Smythe savored the task of covering the honor in the Philadelphia Business Journal.

The program, often referred to as the Oscars of the restaurant industry, returns after a two-year pause. The hiatus resulted from the heavy toll COVID-19 took on the restaurant industry and fierce criticism over the awards’ diversity profile.

To that latter point, organizers for the 2022 edition went to great lengths to ensure “a demonstrated commitment to racial and gender equity, community, sustainability, and a culture where all can thrive,” according to the James Beard Foundation.

The winners of this year’s awards will be celebrated at the James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards ceremony on June 13 at the Lyric Opera of Chicago.

Andiario is a semifinalist in the “Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic” category.

The chef is no stranger to being recognized by the James Beard Foundation. In 2019, he was named a semifinalist in the “Best New Restaurant” category.

Read more about Andiario in the Philadelphia Business Journal.