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The James Beard Foundation has announced the semifinalists for the best restaurants, chefs, and beverage professionals in the country. Finalists will be announced March 24, and the winners will be named at an awards ceremony in New York on April 24.
Komi got two nods: The restaurant is on the long list for Outstanding Service, and chef Johnny Monis is in the running for Outstanding Chef. Meanwhile, Fabio Trabocchi racked up nominations for Outstanding Chef and Best New Restaurant with Fiola Mare.
Many (actually, most) names are familiar to the list. Among the veterans: Jaleo and Vidalia, which were semifinalists for Outstanding Restaurant last year, are back again. Ashok Bajaj of Rasika and Oval Room is nominated again for top restaurateur, and Ripple‘s Marjorie Meek-Bradley has another shot at Rising Star Chef of the Year.
There are a couple newbies, too. For example, Barmini is semifinalist for Oustanding Bar Program, and Toki Underground chef Erik Bruner-Yang is recognized as a rising star.
Check out all the D.C. area semifinalists below and the full list on the James Beard website.
Best New Restaurant
Fiola Mare
Outstanding Baker
Mark Furstenberg, Bread Furst
Outstanding Bar Program
Barmini
Outstanding Chef
Johnny Monis, Komi
Fabio Trabocchi, Fiola
Outstanding Pastry Chef
Caitlin Dysart, 2941
Outstanding Restaurant
Jaleo
Vidalia
Outstanding Restaurateur
Ashok Bajaj, Knightsbridge Restaurant Group (The Bombay Club, The Oval Room, Rasika, and others)
Outstanding Service
Komi
Marcel’s
Outstanding Wine, Beer, or Spirits Professional
Derek Brown, Mockingbird Hill
Rising Star of the Year
Erik Bruner-Yang, Toki Underground
Marjorie Meek-Bradley, Ripple
Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic
Anthony Chittum, Iron Gate
Cedric Maupillier, Mintwood Place
Photo courtesy James Beard Foundation