James Beard 2017 Restaurant and Chef Semifinalists for Charleston

This morning the James Beard Foundation released its list of semifinalists in the 2017 Restaurant and Chef Awards. Over the next month, this “long list” will be paired down. On Wednesday, March 15, the finalists will be announced. The 2017 James Beard Awards Gala will be held at the Lyric Opera of Chicago on Monday, May 1. Congratulations to all the names and teams from the Lowcountry. Tune in next month to see how far they will go.

Here’s the list of Charleston semifinalists:

Outstanding Chef: Mike Lata, FIG

Outstanding Pastry Chef: Cynthia Wong, Butcher & Bee

Outstanding Restaurateur: David Howard, Neighborhood Dining Group

Outstanding Wine Program: FIG, Charleston

Outstanding Wine, Beer, or Spirits Professional: Scott Blackwell and Ann Marshall, High Wire Distilling Company

Rising Star Chef of the Year: Shuai Wang, Short Grain

Best Chef: Southeast: Kevin Johnson, The Grocery

View the entire list here.