The 2014 James Beard Award finalists were announced Tuesday, and out of all the world-class restaurants, bars and chefs in this great city of ours, a mere seven made the final cut. Still, we have to give a big congratulations to these LA tastemakers nominated for such a prestigious award:
Outstanding Chef: Suzanne Goin, Lucques; Nancy Silverton, Pizzeria Mozza
Outstanding Restaurateur: Caroline Styne (Lucques, A.O.C., Tavern and more)
Outstanding Pastry Chef: Dahlia Narvaez, Osteria Mozza
Best Chef: West: Michael Cimarusti, Providence; Jon Shook and Vinny Dotolo, Animal
2014 JBF Who's Who of Food & Beverage in America: Sherry Yard, Pastry Chef and Author (formerly of Spago, currently working on Helms Hall and Bakery)
While the semifinalist list proved to be more LA-heavy, some didn't make it past the chopping block. Here are a few of the James Beard Award semifinalists we think should have gone all the way:
Best New Restaurant:Trois Mec
Outstanding Bar Program:The Varnish
Rising Star Chef of the Year: Casey Lane, Tasting Kitchen
Outstanding Service:Providence
The award ceremony will be held on May 5 at the Lincoln Center in New York. Here are the Chicago restaurants that also got nods from the James Beard Foundation.
RECOMMENDED: Time Out LA Food & Drink Awards 2013