42 Grams, Parachute, Boka Group, Carrie Nahabedian Among James Beard Awards Semifinalists

The James Beard Foundation announced the semifinalists for the restaurant and chef awards, and Chicago is represented in a variety of categories.

Nomination highlights include Parachute and 42 Grams for Best New Restaurant, Carrie Nahabedian for Outstanding Chef, Spiaggia for Outstanding Restaurant, Kevin Boehm and Rob Katz (Boka Restaurant Group) and Donnie Madia (One Off Hospitality) for Outstanding Restaurateur, and Charles Joly for Outstanding Wine, Beer or Spirits Professional. 10 local chefs are nominated for the Best Chef: Great Lakes award.

Read the full local list below and head over to Eater National for the entire list of nominees from around the country. The Foundation will announce the finalists on March 24 and the winners will be announced and celebrated at the awards gala on May 4, taking place right here in Chicago.

Best New Restaurant

42 Grams

Parachute

Outstanding Baker

Judy Contino, Bittersweet Pastry

Dave and Megan Miller, Baker Miller Bakery & Millhouse

Outstanding Bar Program

The Violet Hour

Outstanding Chef

Carrie Nahabedian, Naha

Outstanding Pastry Chef

Dana Cree, Blackbird

Amanda Rockman, Nico Osteria

Outstanding Restaurant

Spiaggia

Outstanding Restaurateur

Kevin Boehm and Rob Katz, Boka Restaurant Group

Donnie Madia, One Off Hospitality Group

Outstanding Service

North Pond

Topolobampo

Outstanding Wine Program

Sepia

Outstanding Wine, Spirits, or Beer Professional

Charles Joly, Crafthouse

Rising Star Chef of the Year

Tanya Baker, Boarding House

Christopher Teixeira, Homestead on the Roof

Best Chef: Great Lakes

Abraham Conlon, Fat Rice

Curtis Duffy, Grace

Paul Fehribach, Big Jones

Phillip Foss, EL Ideas

Brian Huston, Boltwood

Thomas Lents, Sixteen

Ryan McCaskey, Acadia

Paul Virant, Vie

Erling Wu-Bower, Nico Osteria

Andrew Zimmerman, Sepia