Update (3/15): Chef Amy Brandwein, Chef Tom Cunanan, Chef Mark Furstenberg, and Pineapple & Pearls are all finalists.
Given the banner year D.C. is having when it comes to national recognition, it should come as no surprise that our region has 21 James Beard Award semifinalists. That said, 2016 wasn’t a snooze either with 19 semifinalists, including many that appear on this year’s list.
The final nominees will be announced on March 15, and winners will be announced on April 25.
The semifinalists are as follows:
Best New Restaurant:
Pineapple and Pearls
Sweet Home Café at the National Museum of African American History and Culture
Outstanding Baker:
Mark Furstenberg of Bread Furst
Outstanding Bar Program:
Columbia Room
Outstanding Wine, Spirits, or Beer Professional:
Jim Law of Linden Vineyards in Linden, VA
Outstanding Chef:
Fabio Trabocchi of Fiola
Eric Ziebold of Kinship
Outstanding Restaurant:
Jaleo
Rasika
Outstanding Restaurateur:
Ashok Bajaj of Knightsbridge Restaurant Group, Washington, D.C. (The Bombay Club, Rasika, The Oval Room, and others)
Outstanding Service:
Fiola
Marcel’s by Robert Wiedmaier
Outstanding Wine Program:
Komi
Rising Star Chef of the Year:
Kevin Tien of Himitsu
Best Chef Mid-Atlantic (D.C., DE, MD, NJ, PA, VA):
Amy Brandwein of Centrolina
Tom Cunanan of Bad Saint
Mike Friedman of All-Purpose Pizzeria
Tarver King of The Restaurant at Patowmack Farm in Lovettsville, VA
Seng Luangrath of Thip Khao
Cedric Maupillier of Convivial
Nobu Yamazaki of Sushi Taro