Beard Foundation Nominates Several Atlantans

The James Beard Foundation has announced the list of final nominees for the 2012 James Beard Awards, which included two of Atlanta's most well-known chefs, along with a locally-authored blog. Nominated for Best Chef: Southeast are Empire State South's Hugh Acheson and Restaurant Eugene's Linton Hopkins. Nominated for Best Individual Food Blog is Bunky Cooks authored by Gwen Pratesi. Acheson also received a Best American Cookbook nomination for his "A New Turn In The South: Southern Flavors Reinvented For Your Kitchen." Congrats to all, and good luck! Winners will be announced at the James Beard Awards on May 7, 2012.

Look here for a compete list of nominees.

- Chris Francisco