James Beard Awards Announces Semifinalists With Plenty of Love for Twin Cities Chefs

This morning the James Beard Award Semifinalists were announced and there were heaps of love sent in our direction with noticeably more female chefs and women-owned restaurants being recognized. The James Beard Awards are considered by most in the hospitality industry to be the pinnacle of career achievement. Past winners include Tim McKee, Alex Roberts and more.

This year’s finalists will be culled from this long list on Wednesday March 14. The award ceremony this year will be held in Chicago on Monday May 7.

The restaurants and chefs recognized are:

Grand Cafe, Best New Restaurant

Michelle Gayer of The Salty Tart, Outstanding Baker

Alex Roberts of Restaurant Alma, Outstanding Chef

This national award recognizes past best chef winners. Roberts took home is James Beard Award in 2010

Diane Yang , Spoon and Stable, Outstanding Pastry Chef

112 Eatery, Outstanding Service

Best Chef Midwest

Thomas Boemer, Corner Table

Steven Brown, Tilia

Gavin Kaysen, Spoon and Stable

Jamie Malone, Grand Cafe

Ann Kim, Young Joni

Lisa Carlson, Chef Shack

Christina Nguyen, Hai Hai

Jay Sparks, Lovechild (in Lacrosse, Wi)

Read the full list of nominees here.

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