JAMES BEARD FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES 2020 RESTAURANT AND CHEF SEMIFINALISTS

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The James Beard Foundation announced today its list of Restaurant and Chef Award semifinalists in advance of the 30th annual James Beard Awards Presented by Capital One. The prestigious group of semifinalists represents a wide collection of culinary talent, from exceptional chefs and dining destinations across twelve regions to the Best New Restaurant, Outstanding Bar Program, Outstanding Baker, and a Rising Star Chef 30 years of age or under.

 

and the DMV Finalists are

Best New Restaurant
A restaurant opened in 2019 that already demonstrates excellence in cuisine and hospitality, and that is likely to make a significant impact in years to come.
  • Rooster & Owl, Washington, D.C.
  • Thamee, Washington, D.C.
Outstanding Baker
A pastry chef or baker who demonstrates exceptional skill, integrity, and character in the preparation of desserts, pastries, or breads served in a retail bakery. Must have been working as a pastry chef or baker for the past five years.
  • Evrim Dogu and Evin Dogu, Sub Rosa Bakery, Richmond, VA
Outstanding Bar Program
A restaurant or bar that demonstrates exceptional care and skill in the selection, preparation, and serving of cocktails, spirits, and/or beer.
  • Clavel Mezcaleria, Baltimore
Outstanding Chef (Presented by All-Clad Metalcrafters)
A chef who sets high culinary standards and who has served as a positive example for other food professionals. Must have been working as a chef for the past five years.
  • Vikram Sunderam, Rasika, Washington, D.C.
Outstanding Hospitality (Presented by American Airlines)
A restaurant in operation for five or more years that demonstrates consistency and exceptional thoughtfulness in hospitality and service.
  • Marcel's, Washington, D.C.
Outstanding Pastry Chef (Presented by Lavazza)
A pastry chef or baker who demonstrates exceptional skill, integrity, and character in the preparation of desserts, pastries, or bread served in a restaurant. Must have been working as a pastry chef or baker for the past five years.
  • Katherine Thompson, Thompson Italian, Falls Church, VA
Outstanding Restaurant (Presented by S.Pellegrino® Sparkling Natural Mineral Water)
A restaurant that demonstrates consistent excellence in food, atmosphere, service, and operations. Must have been in business for 10 or more consecutive years.
  • Jaleo, Washington, D.C.
  • Komi, Washington, D.C.
Outstanding Restaurateur (Presented by Magellan Corporation)
A restaurateur who demonstrates creativity in entrepreneurship and integrity in restaurant operations. Must have been in the restaurant business for at least 10 years. Must not have been nominated for a James Beard Foundation chef award in the past five years.
  • Ruth Gresser, Pizzeria Paradiso, Washington, D.C. (Pizzeria Paradiso)
Outstanding Wine Program
A restaurant or bar that demonstrates excellence in wine service through a carefully considered wine list and a well-informed approach to helping customers choose and drink wine.
  • Flight Wine Bar, Washington, D.C.
Outstanding Wine, Beer or Spirits Producer
A beer, wine, or spirits producer who demonstrates consistency and exceptional skill in his or her craft.
  • Rutger de Vink, RdV Vineyards, Delaplane, VA
Rising Star Chef of the Year (Presented by S.Pellegrino® Sparkling Natural Mineral Water)
A chef age 30 or younger who displays exceptional talent, character, and leadership ability, and who is likely to make a significant impact in years to come.
  • Angel Barreto, Anju, Washington, D.C.
  • Daniela Moreira, Timber Pizza Co., Washington, D.C
  • Paola Velez, Kith/Kin, Washington, D.C.
Best Chefs (Presented by Capital One)
Chefs who set high culinary standards and also demonstrate integrity and admirable leadership skills in their respective regions. A nominee may be from any kind of dining establishment but must have been working as a chef for at least five years, with the three most recent years spent in the region.
  • Victor Albisu, Poca Madre, Washington, D.C.
  • Sunny Baweja, Lehja, Richmond, VA
  • Amy Brandwein, Centrolina, Washington, D.C.
  • Peter and Lisa Chang, Mama Chang, Fairfax, VA
  • Zenebech Dessu, Zenebech Restaurant, Washington, D.C.
  • Danny Lee, Anju, Washington, D.C.
  • Cagla Onal-Urel, Green Almond Pantry, Washington, D.C.
  • Peter Prime, Cane, Washington, D.C.
  • Jon Sybert, Tail Up Goat, Washington, D.C.