Here are the 2014 James Beard Award Semifinalists

The James Beard Foundation announced the 2014 restaurant and chef awards semifinalists this morning and this year's list includes many Chicago stalwarts. Brindille and Nico Osteria are nominated for Best New Restaurant. Jimmy Bannos Jr. (Purple Pig), David Posey (Blackbird), and Matthew Kirkley (L20) are up for Rising Star Chef of the Year.

Dana Cree (Blackbird) gets a nod for Outstanding Pastry Chef, Spiaggia for Outstanding Restaurant, Donnie Madia (One Off Hospitality) for Outstanding Restaurateur, Carrie Nahabedian for Outstanding Chef, The Violet Hour for Outstanding Bar Program, Sepia for Outstanding Wine Program, L20 and Topolobampo for Outstanding Service, and the three Floyds from Three Floyds Brewing and Vanberg & DeWulf (listed in Cooperstown, NY; based in Chicago) for Outstanding Wine, Spirits, or Beer Professional.

Half of the 20 chefs nominated for Best Chef: Great Lakes are from Chicago, including Curtis Duffy (Grace), Abraham Conlon and Adrienne Lo (Fat Rice), Jason Vincent (Nightwood), and Ryan McCaskey (Acadia). Read the full list of nominees around the country here. The foundation will announce the finalists on March 18 here in Chicago and the restaurant and chef portion of the awards will take place on May 5 in NYC.
· All James Beard Award Coverage [-ECHI-]
· JBF Announces 2014 Restaurant and Chef Semifinalists [-E-]