Wednesday, February 22, 2012

FOOD NEWS: James Beard Foundation Announces 2012 Restaurant and Chef Semifinalists



The James Beard Foundation announced the semifinalists in the 2012 Restaurant and Chef Awards. The finalists will be announced on March 19th in Las Vegas. Here is a list of the semifinalists from Washington state. Congratulations to all the semifinalists, and best of luck on March 19th!

Best New Restaurant
Altura - Seattle

Outstanding Bar Program
The Zig Zag Cafe - Seattle

Outstanding Chef
Holly Smith - Cafe Juanita - Kirkland, WA

Outstanding Restaurant
Canlis - Seattle

Outstanding Restauranteur
Tom Douglas - Tom Douglas Restaurants - Seattle

Outstanding Wine Program
Canlis - Seattle

Outstanding Wine & Spirits Professional
Alex Golitzin - Quilceda Creek Vintners - Snohomish, WA

Rising Star Chef of the Year
Blaine Wetzel - The Willows Inn - Lummi Island, WA

Best Chef: Northwest
Chris Ainsworth - Saffron Mediterranean Kitchen - Walla Walla, WA
Matt Costello - The Inn at Langley - Langley, WA
Matt Dillon - Sitka & Spruce - Seattle
Renee Erickson - Boat Street Cafe - Seattle
Jason Franey - Canlis - Seattle
Ethan Stowell - Staple & Fancy Mercantile - Seattle
Jason Stratton - Spinasse - Seattle
Rachel Yang & Seif Chirchi - Joule - Seattle