Semifinalists for the highly-anticipated annual James Beard Awards were recently announced, with several noteworthy chefs and restaurants from the Atlanta and Savannah food scenes making the list, including:
Best Chef: Southeast: Ronald Hsu and Aaron Phillips (Lazy Betty), Terry Koval (The Deer and the Dove), Jiyeon Lee and Cody Taylor (Heirloom Market BBQ), Sahar Siddiqi (Chai Pani), Deborah VanTrece (Twisted Soul Cookhouse & Pours)
Outstanding Bakery: Buena Gente Cuban Bakery, Unforgettable Bakery and Cafe
Outstanding Hospitality: Ticonderoga Club
Outstanding Wine Program: Lyla Lila
Outstanding Restaurateur: Clinton Gray, Derrick Moore, and Emanuel Reed (Slim and Husky’s Pizza Beeria)
Outstanding Restaurant: The Grey
– Hannah Hayes, 360 Media, Inc.