The semifinalists for the 2019 James Beard Awards were announced this morning. Six chefs and one restaurant/bar made the prestigious list.
The semifinalists are as follows:
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Best Chef-Midwest (20 nominees):
- Michael Gallina – Vicia
- Lona Luo – Lona’s Lil Eats (also nominated in 2018)
- Jesse Mendica – Olive + Oak (also nominated in 2017)
- Ny Vongsaly – Billie-Jean
Rising Star Chef of the Year (23 nominees):
- Nick Bognar – Nippon Tei
Outstanding Bar Program (20 nominees):
- Planter’s House
Outstanding Baker (20 nominees):
- Nathaniel Reid – Nathaniel Reid Bakery
St. Louis chefs have brought home the Best Chef: Midwest award twice in the last four years: Gerard Craft (Niche) in 2015 and Kevin Nashan (Sidney Street Cafe) in 2017. Gioia’s Deli won an America’s Classics Award in 2017, the first time a St. Louis restaurant was recognized since that award’s inception in 1998.
