ST. LOUIS — The James Beard Foundation announced its list of restaurant and chef award semifinalists ahead of the 30th annual James Beard Awards.
And it’s no surprise that several St. Louisans and restaurants made the list.
The prestigious group of semifinalists across all categories represents a wide collection of culinary talent, from exceptional chefs and dining destinations nationally and across ten different regions to the best new restaurants, outstanding bar, outstanding baker and rising star chefs 30 years of age or under.
The list includes two restaurants and six chefs in the St. Louis area.
Outstanding Baker
Nathaniel Reid, Nathaniel Reid Bakery, Kirkwood
Best New Restaurant
iNDO, St. Louis
Rising Star Chef of the Year
Nick Bognar, iNDO, St. Louis
Best Chef: Midwest (IA, KS, MN, MO, NE, ND, SD, WI)
Lona Luo, Lona’s Lil Eats, St. Louis
Michael Gallina, Vicia, St. Louis
Jesse Mendica, Olive + Oak, Webster Groves
Loryn Nalic, Balkan Treat Box, Webster Groves
Outstanding Restaurant (nationwide)
Mai Lee in Brentwood
Nominees for all award categories will be revealed on March 25 in Philadelphia at The Barnes Foundation.
The James Beard Foundation holds an online open call for entries beginning in mid-October of each year. Entries received, along with input solicited from an independent volunteer group of more than 250 panelists around the country are reviewed by the Restaurant and Chef Committee to determine eligibility and regional representation.
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