Georgians among James Beard Restaurant Awards semifinalists
The James Beard Foundation Award For Excellence season is upon us, and once again a number of prominent local chefs are among the semifinalists, which were announced today. Most categories list 20 semifinalists, though a few have more.
Restaurant award judges throughout the country (of which I am one) will vote from this list to determine the five finalists in each category. The finalists will be announced on March 21.
The Georgians cited today are:
OUTSTANDING PASTRY CHEF
- Aaron Russell, Restaurant Eugene, Atlanta
- Cynthia Wong, Cakes & Ale, Decatur
OUTSTANDING RESTAURATEUR
- Mike Klank and Eddie Hernandez, Taqueria del Sol, Atlanta
OUTSTANDING WINE SERVICE
- Steven Grubbs, Five and Ten, Athens
RISING STAR CHEF OF THE YEAR
- Kevin Gillespie, Woodfire Grill, Atlanta
BEST CHEF: SOUTHEAST
- Hugh Acheson, Five and Ten, Athens
- Billy Allin, Cakes & Ale, Decatur
- Linton Hopkins, Restaurant Eugene, Atlanta
- Hector Santiago, Pura Vida, Atlanta
Congrats to all.
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20 comments Add your comment
nom nom nom
February 17th, 2011
12:14 pm
You could have given us ALL the semi-finalists and just highlighted the Georgians. That way I wouldn’t have to leave your site to search for this information.
Gator Annie
February 17th, 2011
4:41 pm
I’ve eaten at Five & Ten…it’s good. But, Last Resort in Athens is better – and cheaper. However – congratulations to Hugh Acheson.
local is as local does....
February 17th, 2011
4:47 pm
some people will complain about anything
TH
February 17th, 2011
4:50 pm
I went to culinary school with Aaron Russell. Now he’s up for a James Beard award!! Go Aaron!!
jennifer
February 17th, 2011
5:19 pm
nom nom nom, he also could have driven to your house and read the list aloud to you, using a special twang for those nominees from Georgia, but he didn’t.
Decatur Diner
February 17th, 2011
5:54 pm
Tacqueria del Sol – Huh? OUTSTANDING RESTAURATEUR…it would appear the nomination committee didn’t eat in the restaurant and get to enjoy the “stellar” and “friendly service” that goes with your meal. Love the Taco’s especially the Bob but I would much rather not be talked down to while I enjoy my meal. As an outstanding restaurateur one would think that you need to be a little friendly to get that award.
ATL Diner
February 17th, 2011
6:18 pm
Hector Santiago is one of the most underrated, creative, best quality to price chefs in Atlanta – he gets my vote!
E-Lane
February 17th, 2011
6:55 pm
Taqueria del Sol….James Beard? Who’s smoking crack? That’s one of the worst restaurants in town!
nom nom nom isn't a food snob...
February 17th, 2011
7:04 pm
nom nom nom is apparently a food jerk. Ditto what Jennifer said!
Georgians among James Beard Restaurant Awards semifinalists | Food … | TOPCOOKINGREVIEW.COM
February 17th, 2011
8:07 pm
[...] posted here: Georgians among James Beard Restaurant Awards semifinalists | Food … Uncategorized aaron, atlanta, georgia, house, kessler-discuss, read-the-list, [...]
bride of puerquito
February 17th, 2011
9:49 pm
Taqueria del sol will never win. They’re just throwing a bone to the southeast since there is not much to choose from.
Smyrna Cook
February 18th, 2011
8:58 am
Hector Santiago gets my vote! I would have never tried duck…then I went to Pura Vida and had it…couldn’t get that delicious taste out of my mind for months! Please Hector…put it back on the menu!
Todd
February 18th, 2011
1:50 pm
I’m surprised Ron Eyster is not on this list.
Colin
February 18th, 2011
7:39 pm
Chris Hall needs to be on next year’s list.
KEAD
February 18th, 2011
10:22 pm
I know it’s an honor just to be nominated, but after so many nominations, I would really like to see Chef Hopkins win. The man does so much for Atlanta cuisine beyond the walls of his restaurants.
Molly
February 19th, 2011
10:59 am
Congrats to Steve!
Good Food Eater
February 19th, 2011
2:08 pm
Congratulations to Mike and Eddie. They run damn fine restaurants and deserve the recognition. These are the kind of people you want to see succeed. More corn chowder please.
one chef
February 20th, 2011
8:15 pm
hy can ppl; be yust happy for the finalists. from georgia regarless of who they are;
they are from georgia and to me is all that matters; be proud; if ur not in the commited; let the juges juge is not ur job to do so
congratulationes to all the finalists.
Steven
February 21st, 2011
1:25 pm
like the food at TDS but as far as service- it should be in textbooks on how not to treat the customer.
JM
February 24th, 2011
10:46 am
Last Resort — better than Five and Ten? You must be out of your mind.