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‘Tis the season for James Beard Awards news, and today the foundation reveals its list of semifinalists for the 2017 awards. Chicago representation is highlighted by Rick Bayless’ long-acclaimed Michelin-starred Topolobampo, the Boka Restaurant Group, and a trio of best new restaurant semifinalists among 31 total nominees from the Windy City.
Topolobampo is nominated for the top award, outstanding restaurant, after years of being a finalist for outstanding service. The Boka guys (Kevin Boehm and Rob Katz) are again nominated for outstanding restaurateur after being finalists last year — and their flagship restaurant is a semifinalist for outstanding pastry chef (Meg Galus), outstanding service, and best chef: Great Lakes (Lee Wolen). Other highlights include a trio of best new restaurant semifinalists (Oriole, Roister, Smyth), Tony Mantuano and Carrie Nahabedian again becoming semifinalists for outstanding chef, and Lost Lake being nominated for outstanding bar program.
Check out the full list of local semifinalists below and head over to Eater National for the list from around the country. Finalists will be announced on March 15 and the awards will head to the Lyric Opera House on May 1, once again right here in Sweet Home Chicago.
Best New Restaurant
Oriole
Roister
Smyth
Outstanding Baker
Greg Wade, Publican Quality Bread
Outstanding Bar Program
Lost Lake
Outstanding Chef
Tony Mantuano, Spiaggia
Carrie Nahabedian, Naha
Outstanding Pastry Chef
Aya Fukai, Maple & Ash
Meg Galus, Boka
Outstanding Restaurant
Topolobampo
Outstanding Restaurateur
Kevin Boehm and Rob Katz, Boka Restaurant Group
Outstanding Service
Boka
Outstanding Wine Program
Outstanding Wine, Spirits, or Beer Professional
Charles Joly, Crafthouse Cocktails
Rising Star Chef of the Year
David Park, Hanbun, Westmont
Jenner Tomaska, Next
Best Chef: Great Lakes (IL, IN, MI, OH)
Jake Bickelhaupt, 42 Grams
Abraham Conlon, Fat Rice
Paul Fehribach, Big Jones
Phillip Foss, EL Ideas
Sarah Grueneberg, Monteverde
Gene Kato, Sumi Robata Bar
Beverly Kim and Johnny Clark, Parachute
Edward Kim, Ruxbin
Ryan McCaskey, Acadia
Iliana Regan, Elizabeth
Noah Sandoval, Oriole
Lee Wolen, Boka
Erling Wu-Bower, Nico Osteria