James Beard Finalists Announced

The final nominees for the 2013 James Beard Awards were announced from Charleston today, with plenty of local representation moving on from the semifinalist announcement. In the most prestigious awards, Paul Kahan was honored with a nomination for Outstanding Chef, Spiaggia picked up one for Outstanding Restaurant, and Donnie Madia for Outstanding Restaurateur. Curtis Duffy's Grace gained another accolade, being nominated for Best New Restaurant. For Outstanding Service, Topolobampo is a finalist.

Four out of the five nominees for Best Chef Great Lakes are from Chicago-area restaurants: Stephanie Izard (Girl & the Goat), Dave Beran (Next), Paul Virant (Perennial Virant, Vie), and Andrew Zimmerman (Sepia). Jimmy Bannos Jr. and David Posey (Blackbird) are up for Rising Star Chef of the Year, while The Aviary and Violet Hour picked up nods for Outstanding Bar Program. In the media, Mike Sula of The Reader is nominated for the M.F.K. Fisher Award, Steve Dolinsky's The Hungry Hound for Television Segment, and Nina Barrett (WBEZ).

Good luck to all the local nominees at May 6 awards presentation. Click here for a full list of nominees.
· All James Beard Awards Coverage [~ECHI~]