February 15, 2017
Take a close look at James Beard Foundation's list of semifinalists for its 2017 Restaurant and Chef Awards – you'll find a lot of familiar names.
The national organization that looks to "celebrate, nurture, and honor America's diverse culinary heritage" published its list for the 27th annual awards Wednesday, narrowed down from 24,000 entries from across the United States.
Philadelphia chefs and restaurants were spotted across the categories, from Saté Kampar, the South Philly Malaysian BYO nominated for "Best New Restaurant" to Zahav's Michael Solomonov, up as a semifinalist in the foundation's "outstanding chef" category.
The final nominees will be announced on March 15 and winner on May 1 during a gala in Chicago. Check out Philly's nominations below, or the foundation's full list here.
•Saté Kampur
•Tova du Plessis, Essen Bakery
•Martha
•Michael Solomonov, Zahav
•Pat O'Malley, Hungry Pigeon
•Stephen Starr (Morimoto, Barclay Prime, El Vez and more)
•Ellen Yin (Fork, High Street on Market)
•Zahav
•Camille Cogswell, Zahav
•Jesse Ito, Royal Izakaya
•Nicholas Elmi, Laurel
•Rich Landau, Vedge
•Cristina Martinez and Benjamin Miller, South Philly Barbacoa
•Greg Vernick, Vernick Food & Drink
