Restaurants & Bars
James Beard Semifinalists Include 3 Birmingham Restaurants
The James Beard Foundation has released its list of semifinalists, including some in Birmingham, for its 30th annual culinary awards.
BIRMINGHAM, AL — Semifinalists announced Wednesday by the James Beard Foundation include three establishments in Birmingham. The awards, now in their 30th year, are regarded as the Oscar Awards of the culinary industry.
The semifinalists are in 11 categories: best new restaurant; outstanding restaurant; outstanding baker; outstanding pastry chef; outstanding chef; rising chef stars age 30 or younger; outstanding bar program; outstanding wine program; outstanding wine, beer or spirits producer; outstanding restaurateur; and outstanding hospitality.
Birmingham's semifinalists are:
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- Automatic Seafood & Oysters, Best New Restaurant
- The Atomic Lounge, Outstanding Bar Program
- Chez Fonfon, Outstanding Hospitality
James Beard Foundation Semifinalists: The Full List
Finalists in all categories will be announced at a news conference at 8 a.m. March 25 in Philadelphia.
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The list of semifinalists was voted on by more than 600 judges from across the country. The same group of judges — who include leading regional restaurant critics, food and wine editors, culinary instructors and past James Beard winners — vote to determine the finalists. The votes are tabulated by independent auditors from EisnerAmper.
The winners will be announced in May.
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