Charleston Tallies Eight James Beard Semifinalists

February 27, 2019

4:19 PM

The James Beard Foundation today announced the semifinalists for their 2019 Restaurant and Chef Award categories and, once again, Charleston was represented.

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

Outstanding Restaurant
- FIG
  - The restaurant won the Outstanding Wine Program category last year
Best Chef: Southeast
- Kevin Johnson, The Grocery (semifinalist for the fourth straight year)
- Jacques Larson, The Obstinate Daughter
Outstanding Restaurateur
- Steve Palmer, The Indigo Road (The Macintosh, Oak Steakhouse, Indaco, and more)
  - Semifinalist for the third straight year
Outstanding Pastry Chef
- Cynthia Wong, Life Raft Treats (semifinalist for the third straight year)
Outstanding Wine Program
- Stems & Skins
Outstanding Wine, Spirits, or Beer Producer
- Scott Blackwell and Ann Marshall, High Wire Distilling Company (semifinalists for the third straight year)
Rising Star Chef of the Year
- Evan Gaudreau, Renzo

The finalists will be announced on Wednesday, March 27th, with the James Beard Awards Gala taking place on Monday, May 6th in Chicago. You can view the entire list of semi-finalists here.