A total of 14 restaurants, bars, and chefs from Washington were included as James Beard Awards semifinalists.
The annual awards are one of the highest honors in the restaurant industry. There were plenty of familiar names among the semifinalists, including Melissa Miranda of Musang and Kristi Brown of Communion, who are both up for "Best Chef: Northwest and Pacific." As well as Quynh-Vy and Yenvy Pham of Phở Bắc, who were finalists in the "Outstanding Restaurateur" category last year, and Aaron Verzosa of Archipelago, who is in the "Outstanding Chef" category.
New names like Janet Becerra of Pancita, a contender in the "Emerging Chef" category, and Ben Campbell of Ben's Bread Co., shortlisted for "Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker," are also on the list.
Here is a list of restaurants in Washington state that are James Beard Awards semifinalists:
Outstanding Restaurateur
Quynh-Vy and Yenvy Pham, Phở Bắc Súp Shop, Phởcific Standard Time, and The Boat, Seattle, WA
Outstanding Chef
Aaron Verzosa, Archipelago, Seattle, WA
Outstanding Restaurant
The Walrus and the Carpenter, Seattle, WA
Emerging Chef
Janet Becerra, Pancita, Seattle, WA
Best New Restaurant
Bar Bacetto, Waitsburg, WA
Outstanding Wine and Other Beverages Program
Eight Row, Seattle, WA
Best Chef: Northwest and Pacific (AK, HI, OR, WA)
Avery Adams, Matia Kitchen, Orcas Island, WA
Derek Bray, The Table, Tacoma, WA
Kristi Brown, Communion, Seattle, WA
Grayson Corrales, MariPili Tapas Bar, Seattle, WA
Dan Koommoo, Crafted, Yakima, WA
Evan Leichtling, Off Alley, Seattle, WA
Melissa Miranda, Musang, Seattle, WA
Nominees will be announced on April 3, with the final award ceremony on June 10.
