Charleston Has Nine James Beard Semifinalists

February 15, 2018

8:18 PM

Earlier today, the James Beard Foundation announced the semifinalists for their 2018 Restaurant and Chef Award categories and, once again, Charleston was represented.

Here's a look at the nominees from the Holy City:

Outstanding Chef
- Mike Lata, The Ordinary (semifinalist for the second straight year, but last year was for FIG)
Best Chef Southeast
- Kevin Johnson, The Grocery (semifinalist for the third straight year)
- Alex Lira, Bar Normandy
- Rodney Scott, Rodney Scott’s BBQ
Outstanding Pastry Chef
- Cynthia Wong, Butcher & Bee (semifinalist for the second straight year)
Outstanding Bar Program
- The Living Room at the Dewberry
Outstanding Restaurateur
- Steve Palmer, The Indigo Road (The Macintosh, Oak Steakhouse, Indaco, and more)
Outstanding Wine Program
- FIG (semifinalist for the fourth straight year)
Outstanding Wine, Beer, or Spirits Professional
- Scott Blackwell and Ann Marshall, High Wire Distilling Company (semifinalists for the second straight year)

The finalists will be announced on Wednesday, March 14th, with the James Beard Awards Gala taking place on Monday, May 7th in Chicago. You can view the entire list of semi-finalists here.