3 Rhode Island Chefs Named 2020 James Beard Semifinalists

NEWPORT, RI — Three Rhode Island chefs were named semi-finalists for this year's James Beard awards. On Wednesday, the foundation announced this year's list of chefs and restaurants that made the cut for "The Oscars" of the culinary world.

Two Providence chefs and one Newport chef made the list, though no restaurants were included. James Mark of Big King and Derek Wagner of Nicks on Broadway, both in Providence, are in the running for "Best Chef in the Northeast," a category that covers Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Hampshire, Maine and Vermont. Bar 'Cino's Mariana Gonzalez-Trasvina, meanwhile, was nominated in the "Rising Star Chef of the Year" category, which recognizes a chef under 30 who "who displays exceptional talent, character, and leadership ability, and who is likely to make a significant impact in years to come."

The foundation will announce the list of finalists in Philadelphia on March 25.

The full list of nominees is available on the James Beard Foundation's website.