James Beard semifinalists: Abe Fisher, Townsend, Vetri, Fork
There are few surprises among the Philadelphians. Ellen Yin's Fork empire, which includes High Street on Market and a.kitchen, dominate, as does Marc Vetri and Jeff Benjamin's Vetri Family.
The James Beard Foundation has released its list of semifinalists for its 2015 James Beard Awards.
This is the "long list," from which the actual list of nominees will be created.
The nominees will be named March 24; on the same date, the Beard will announce other nominees, as well as the nominations for book, journalism, broadcast media, and restaurant design awards. The awards gala will be held May 4 in Chicago, while the book, journalism, broadcast media, and restaurant design awards will be doled out in New York on April 24.
There are few surprises among the Philadelphians. Ellen Yin's Fork empire, which includes High Street on Market and a.kitchen, dominate, as does Marc Vetri and Jeff Benjamin's Vetri Family.
Best New Restaurant (among 25 semifinalists nationally)
Abe Fisher (the Steve Cook-Michael Solomonov nod to foods inspired by the Jewish diaspora)
Townsend (Townsend "Tod" Wentz's French-inspired atelier on East Passyunk Avenue).
Outstanding Baker
Andre Chin and Amanda Eap of Artisan Boulanger Patissier in South Philadelphia
Outstanding Bar Program
The Franklin Mortgage & Investment Co., Philadelphia
Outstanding Chef
Michael Solomonov (for Zahav)
Marc Vetri (for Vetri)
Outstanding Pastry Chef
Kate Jacoby (for Vedge)
Outstanding Restaurant
Fork, Philadelphia
Outstanding Restaurateur
Tom Baron and Bill Fuller of Pittsburgh's Big Burrito Restaurant Group (which owns Mad Mex)
Stephen Starr of Starr Restaurant Group (The Dandelion, Talula's Garden, Serpico, and others)
Outstanding Wine, Beer, or Spirits Professional
Sam Calagione, Dogfish Head Craft Brewery, Milton, DE
Tom Peters, Monk's Café
Steve Wildy, Vetri Family
Rising Star of the Year
Alex Bois, the baker at High Street on Market
Jon Nodler, chef de cuisine at a.kitchen
Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic
Scott Anderson, Elements, Princeton, NJ
Joey Baldino, Zeppoli, Collingswood, NJ
Pierre Calmels, Bibou
Hari Cameron, A(MUSE.), Rehoboth Beach, DE
Lee Chizmar, Bolete, Bethlehem
Joe Cicala, Le Virtù
Nicholas Elmi, Laurel
Rich Landau, Vedge
Konstantinos Pitsillides, Kanella
Greg Vernick, Vernick Food & Drink
























