Wednesday, February 22, 2012

James Beard awards: Down to the semis

The James Beard Awards folk announced semifinalists today; winners will be announced in May. From the Carolinas are:
The Macintosh in Charleston, up for Best New Restaurant. (29 in group.)
Sean Brock of McCrady's in Charleston, up for Outstanding Chef. (20 in group.)
Magnolia Grill in Durham, up for Outstanding Restaurant. (20 in group.)
Eric Solomon of Eric Solomon Selections in Charlotte, up for Outstanding Wine & Spirits Professional. (20 in group.)
Katie Button of Cúrate in Asheville, up for Rising Star Chef of the Year. (31 in group.)
And among the nominees for Best Chef: Southeast are Jeremiah Bacon of The Macintosh, Ashley Christensen of Poole's in Raleigh, Craig Deihl (yes, spelled like that) of Cypress in Charleston, John Fleer of Canyon Kitchen at Lonesome Valley in Cashiers, Vivian Howard of Chef & the Farmer in Kinston, Scott Howell of Nana’s in Durham, Aaron Vandemark of Panciuto in Hillsborough, and Ken Vedrinski of Trattoria Lucca in Charleston. (20 in group.)

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

With J&W here in Charlotte, I would have Thoth we would be at least somewhat represented. Does this say anything about the quality of food here?

Matthew V. said...

Katie Button is a shoe-in. Cúrate provided two of the best meals I've ever had in my life, not to mention the gin and tonics. The first time I ate there, about a year ago, I found it by accident when everywhere in Asheville was packed. They had a seat left at the bar and I've been in love ever since. Sit at the bar like I did. The whole kitchen is right behind the bar. You'll witness inspiration. I advocate so hard for this restaurant you'd think they'd pay me for it (which they don't).

Anonymous said...

The James Beard Award isn't worth that much. Basically a pay-to-play association.