by Riverfront Times, Nancy Stiles
The semifinalists for the annual James Beard Foundation Awards were announced Wednesday morning, and we’re happy to report that several St. Louis chefs made the cut. Of course, 2013 finalist Gerard Craft of Niche was on the list for Best Chef: Midwest, as well as 2013 semifinalist Kevin Nashan of Sidney Street Cafe.
Other Best Chef: Midwest semifinalists from St. Louis are previous nominees Josh Galliano of the Libertine (though he was up for his now-shuttered restaurant Monarch) and Kevin Willmann of Farmhaus, plus first-time nominee Ben Poremba of Elaia & Olio.
Rick Lewis of Quincy Street Bistro was nominated as a Rising Star Chef of the Year, which includes chefs from all over the country, not just the Midwest. Gerard Craft’s Taste was also tapped for Best Bar Program.
The finalists will be announced March 19, and the awards are May 2 and 3 in New York City. Fingers crossed that this is our year, and congrats to all the nominees! You can see the full list here.