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The list of the semifinalists for the 2019 James Beard Foundation awards was just released, and several Atlanta chefs and restaurants made the cut. The annual awards are the equivalent to the “Oscars” in the food world. The finalists are announced on Wednesday, March 27. Winners are announced on Monday, May 6 in Chicago.
Outstanding Baker
Chris Wilkins of Root Baking Co. at Ponce City Market
Outstanding Bar Program
Ticonderoga Club at Krog Street Market
Kimball House in Decatur
Also of note, The Atomic Bar in Birmingham, AL
Best Chef Southeast
Brian So of Spring in Marietta
Bryan Furman of B’s Cracklin’ Barbecue in Atlanta
Ryan Smith of Staplehouse in Atlanta
Meherwan Irani of Chai Pani in Decatur and Asheville, NC
Mashama Bailey of The Grey in Savannah
Rising Star Chef
Nolan Wynn of Banshee in East Atlanta Village
Outstanding Restaurateur
Chef Hugh Acheson of Empire State South in Atlanta and Five & Ten and The National in Athens
Steve Palmer of The Indigo Road restaurant group — Donetto, O-Ku, Colletta, Oak Steakhouse, and Tiny Lou’s in Atlanta and The Macintosh, Oak Steakhouse, and Indaco in Charleston, SC
Outstanding Service
Kimball House in Decatur
Outstanding Wine Program
Miller Union in Atlanta
Disclosure: Some Vox Media staff members are part of the voting body for the James Beard Foundation Awards. Winners in the book/television/journalism categories will be announced at a dinner in New York on April 26.