It’s been two months since a number of Philadelphia restaurants were celebrated with Michelin stars for the first time ever.
Now, the James Beard Foundation has announced its semifinalists for this year’s James Beard Awards and Philadelphia’s dining scene picked up 13 semifinalist nominations, writes Heather J. Chin for Billy Penn at WHYY.
The Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic category semifinalists included repeats such as Amanda Shulman of Her Place Supper Club, Jesse Ito of Royal Sushi & Izakaya, and Omar and Cybille St. Aude-Tate of Honeysuckle.
Meanwhile, newcomers Ian Graye of Pietramala — who received a Michelin Green Star — and Randy Rucker of Little Water are also up for the honor.
Greg Vernick, who won that particular honor in 2017, is in the running for Outstanding Restaurateur this year.
Kalaya, the Michelin-recommended and Thai cuisine-inspired eatery by Chutatip “Nok” Suntaranon, is a semifinalist for Outstanding Restaurant.
Fishtown’s dining scene is also getting some shine. Frankie Ramirez of Amá is a semifinalist for Emerging Chef, Emmett is a semifinalist for Best New Restaurant, and Justine MacNeil of Fiore is in the running for Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker.
Lovers Bar is up for Outstanding Bar and Almanac is a semifinalist for Best New Bar.
Read more about the Philadelphia representatives who are semifinalists for this year’s James Beard Awards at Billy Penn at WHYY.
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