Ocean City-Area Restaurant Becomes James Beard Semifinalist

MARGATE, NJ — Four New Jersey restaurants and critically acclaimed chefs earned high honors from the James Beard Foundation. One of the restaurants isn't far from Ocean City.

Cookie Till of Steve and Cookie's By the Bay is a James Beard semifinalist for "outstanding restaurateur." The James Beard Awards, now in their 30th year, are regarded as the Oscars of the culinary industry.

Finalists in all categories will be announced at a news conference at 9 a.m. March 25 in Philadelphia. The winners will be announced in May.

Steve and Cookie's features locally sourced food and an extensive wine list. The multi-room restaurant is often packed, so regulars recommend getting reservations in the summer and on weekends.

The restaurant has earned several accolades. Steve and Cookie's made OpenTable's list of the Top 100 Restaurants in America for 2019. Read more: Margate Eatery Named A Top 100 Restaurant In America

Steve and Cookie's was also the only South Jersey restaurant to make the list. The other three were from Hoboken, Jersey City and Wayne. Read more: New Jersey Has 4 James Beard Semifinalists

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