Wayne, Westwood Chef Becomes James Beard Semifinalist

WAYNE, NJ — Four New Jersey restaurants and critically acclaimed chefs earned high honors from the James Beard Foundation. One of the chefs is well known in Bergen and Passaic counties.

Robbie Felice, a partner/chef at Viaggio Ristorante in Wayne and Osteria Crescendo in Westwood, is a semifinalist for "rising star chef of the year."

The James Beard Awards, now in their 30th year, are regarded as the Oscars of the culinary industry.

See Also: Wayne, Westwood Chef Competing For 'Master Of Pasta' Title

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.

In 2016, Felice and his father opened their first restaurant together – Viaggio Ristorante. The 26-year-old chef's menu, featuring Italian fare with a modern touch using locally sourced ingredients, earned accolades from restaurant reviewers and diners alike.

Three years later, Felice launched his second restaurant, Osteria Crescendo, which specializes in "large scale, for the table," entrees and Italian street food at the bar.

The new eatery joined Viaggio with a spot on NJ Month's 30 Best Restaurants in the state, making Felice one of two chefs in New Jersey to make two appearances on the list.

See Also: Westwood Eatery Ranks Among Best New Dining Spots

New Jersey's three other finalists were from Hoboken, Jersey City and Wayne.

Read more: New Jersey Has 4 James Beard Semifinalists