Estadio, Kushi Named Semifinalists for 2011 Beard Awards

The James Beard Foundation has announced the list of semifinalists for this year's restaurant and chef awards. Though the final list of nominees won't be announced until March 21, DC is pretty well represented on the longlist with semifinalists in all but one of the categories. We've also netted six of the 20 spots for best Mid-Atlantic chef. Interesting to note: Ashok Bajaj was not only named for outstanding restaurateur, but three of his chefs are up for awards, too. Without further ado:

Best New Restaurant: Estadio, Kushi

Outstanding Chef: Jose Andres (minibar by Jose Andres)

Outstanding Pastry Chef: Huw Griffiths (Tabard Inn)

Outstanding Restaurant: Palena

Outstanding Restaurateur: Ashok Bajaj (701, Ardeo + Bardeo, Bibiana, The Bombay Club, The Oval Room, and Rasika)

Outstanding Service: Marcel's, Restaurant Eve

Outstanding Wine and Spirits Professional: Todd Thrasher (Restaurant Eve)

Rising Star Chef of the Year: Nicholas Stefanelli (Bibiana)

Best Chef Mid-Atlantic: Cathal Armstrong (Restaurant Eve), Bertrand Chemel (2941), Tony Conte (The Oval Room), Johnny Monis (Komi), Peter Pastan (Obelisk), Vikram Sunderam (Rasika)

· Awards Watch: 2011 Restaurant and Chef Awards Semifinalists [Official Site]