The James Beard Association tapped eight Charleston restaurants and chefs as semifinalists in its annual awards that highlight the best in food in the nation. Winners will be announced June 15 at a ceremony at the Lyric Opera in Chicago.
“A big thank you to Charleston for joining us and warmly embracing this wonderful food and cultural discussion,” shared Bintou N’Daw of African-themed Bintü Atelier, a semifinalist for Best Chef: Southeast. “Love always prevails around good food. “
Also nominated this year in the Best Chef: Southeast category was Colin Marcelli of downtown’s Renzo.
Each semifinalist list – often called a long list – has about 20 names compiled from an open call by the foundation. A select group of past winners and judges then will vote for five finalists in each category, which will be announced later this spring.
“It’s an honor to be recognized on the Emerging Chef list,” said barbecue chef Hector Garate of West Ashley’s Palmira. “This isn’t just about me. It’s about the effort of an amazing team and the community that has supported Palmira’s journey every step of the way.”
Other semifinalists (in alphabetical order) include:
- Chubby Fish, named a semifinalist for the second year in a row (Outstanding Restaurant);
- Graft Wine Shop & Wine Bar (Outstanding Bar);
- Merci (Best New Restaurant);
- Stems and Skins (Outstanding Wine and Other Beverages Program);
- Weltons Tiny Bakeshop (Outstanding Bakery).
Merci’s Michael Zentner said his restaurant was grateful to be nominated with other Charleston chefs and eateries.
“Having followed the James Beard Foundation and its nominees and winners for so long makes the inclusion of Merci a dream come true,” he said.
- More: www.jamesbeard.org
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