Photo by Kevin A. Roberts
Ashley Shelton works the pass at Sardella in downtown Clayton.
Congratulations are in order for a handful of St. Louis chefs.
Four have been named semifinalists for 2018 James Beard Awards (think the culinary Oscars) in the Best Chef: Midwest category. The impressive inclusion of St. Louis on the list of 20 follows five local chefs being nominated last year (our own Kevin Nashan, of Peacemaker Lobster & Crab Co. and Sidney Street Cafe, ultimately took home the award).
This year's nominees are:
Ben Grupe: Elaia
Lona Luo: Lona's Lil Eats
Ashley Shelton: Sardella
Mike Randolph: Privado
Shelton is now a two-time nominee (she was nominated last year for the Rising Star Chef the Year Award for her work at Pastaria) and Randolph is now a three-time nominee (he was nominated last year and in 2016 for Best Chef: Midwest). In November, Randolph, who also owns Público and Half & Half, opened his weekends-only tasting menu experience Privado in the former home of his Randolfi's Italian Kitchen.
Other categories where St. Louis represents: Tara and Michael Gallina's Vicia is in contention for Best New Restaurant. "We are over the moon," they wrote on Twitter. And downtown stalwart Tony's is nominated for Outstanding Service, its first appearance as a semifinalist.
The finalists for this year's James Beard Awards will be announced Wednesday, March 14. Then, the 2018 James Beard Awards Gala will take place on Monday, May 7, at the Lyric Opera of Chicago.
