February 17, 2016
Jason Varney/Pinterest
Chef Eli Kulp, co-owner of High Street on Market and Fork.
The James Beard Foundation has announced the semifinalists for its 2016 Restaurant and Chef Awards, and some South Jersey and Philly favorites have made the cut. Many consider the JBF awards to be the Oscars of the food scene, so for so many local establishments to be longlisted for them is just another jewel in Philly's culinary crown.
The short list of nominees (as well as the nominees for the JBF's Book, Journalism, Broadcast Media, and Restaurant Design Awards) will be announced Tuesday, March 15. Winners will be announced at the James Beard Awards Gala Monday, May 2.
Local semifinalists include:
Outstanding Baker
Andre Chin and Amanda Eap, Artisan Boulanger Patissier
Outstanding Bar Program
The Olde Bar
Tired Hands Fermentaria
Outstanding Chef
Michael Solomonov, Zahav
Marc Vetri, Vetri
Outstanding Pastry Chef
Kate Jacoby, Vedge
Outstanding Restaurant
Fork
Outstanding Restaurateur
Stephen Starr, Starr Restaurants
Outstanding Service
Zahav
Outstanding Wine, Beer, or Spirits Professional
Sam Calagione, Dogfish Head Craft Brewery
Rising Star of the Year
Alex Bois, High Street on Market
Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic
Scott Anderson, Elements
Joey Baldino, Zeppoli
Joe Cicala, Le Virtù
Eli Kulp, Fork
Rich Landau, Vedge
Konstantinos Pitsillides, Kanella South
Greg Vernick, Vernick Food & Drink
View the complete list of James Beard Foundation 2016 Restaurant and Chef Awards semifinalists here.
