GA's James Beard Award 2020 Semifinalists Announced

ATLANTA, GA — The James Beard Foundation on Wednesday announced semifinalists for its restaurant and chef awards, now in their 30th year. The awards are regarded as the Oscar Awards of the culinary industry.

Semifinalists announced Wednesday by the James Beard Foundation include five restaurants, chefs and bars in Atlanta and Decatur.

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.

Here are the metro Atlanta contenders:

• Best New Restaurant: Lazy Betty, Atlanta
• Outstanding Wine Program: Miller Union, Atlanta
• Outstanding Baker: Chris Wilkins, Root Baking Co., Atlanta
• Outstanding Pastry Chef: Claudia Martinez, Tiny Lou's, Atlanta
• Outstanding Bar Program: Kimball House, Decatur, Georgia

James Beard Foundation Semifinalists: The Full List

Finalists in all categories will be announced at a news conference at 9 a.m. EDT on March 25 in Philadelphia.

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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