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A handful of local chefs, restaurants, beverage producers, and food personalities are finalists for the 2018 James Beard Foundation Awards, one of the most prestigious prizes in the hospitality world.
The nominees include: Amy Brandwein of Centrolina, Tom Cunanan of Bad Saint, Jeremiah Langhorne of the Dabney, and Cindy Wolf of Charleston in neighboring Baltimore, Maryland (five years running) for Best Chef Mid-Atlantic; Kevin Tien of Himitsu for Rising Star Chef of the Year; Diane Flynt of Foggy Ridge Cider in Dogspur, Virginia, for Outstanding Wine, Beer, or Spirits Professional; and, Pati’s Mexican Table host Pati Jinich for Outstanding Personality/Host.
The D.C.-Metro area was well represented in this year’s crop of semifinalists, which included nods to newcomers including Chiko and Maydan, as well as established players ranging from cocktail wonderland Columbia Room to fine dining fixture Marcel’s. Eater National has the full list of nominees in every category.
Restaurant and chef category winners will be revealed at the James Beard Foundation Awards Gala on Monday, May 7 in Chicago.