James Beard Semi-Finalist Nominations Announced - DC Represents!

DC chefs and restaurants received 21 semi-finalist nominations for the 2020 James Beard Awards

Above: Chef Vikram Sunderam of Rasika was nominated for Outstanding Chef. Photo by Tom McCorkle. Top right: Peter Prime of Cane DC was nominated for Best Chef / Mid-Atlantic. Bottom right: Chef Ruth Gresser was nominated for Outstanding Restaurateur. Photo by Hannah Hudson.

Above: Paola Velez, Kith/Kin was nominated for Rising Star Chef of the Year. Photo by Jennifer Chase. Top right: Daniela Moreira, Timber Pizza Co. was also nominated for Rising Chef of the Year. Photo by Kate Headley. Vintner Rutger de Vink was nominated in the Outstanding Wine, Spirits, or Beer Producer category for RdV Vineyards in Delaplane, VA. Photo by Hannah Hudson.

Edible DC congratulates the chefs and restaurateurs who earned semi-finalist nominations for 2020

By Susan Able

The James Beard Foundation announced the 2020 Restaurant and Chef Award semifinalists nominees this morning. The final nominees will be announced in Philadelphia on Wednesday, March 25. This year will be the 30th anniversary of the coveted honor for chefs, restaurants, journalists, authors, and other leaders in the food and beverage industry. The 2020 James Beard Awards Gala will take place on Monday, May 4, at the Lyric Opera of Chicago.

DC chefs and restaurants received 21 semi-finalist nominations. Congratulations all around, a strong showing that represents the excellence of the restaurant industry in DC.

Best New Restaurant

Rooster & Owl, Washington, DC

Thamee, Washington, DC

Outstanding Chef

Ann Cashion, Johnny’s Half Shell, Washington, DC

Vikram Sunderam, Rasika, Washington, DC

Outstanding Hospitality

Marcel's, Washington, DC

Outstanding Pastry Chef

Katherine Thompson, Thompson Italian, Falls Church, VA

Outstanding Restaurant

Jaleo, Washington, DC

Komi, Washington, DC

Outstanding Restaurateur

Ruth Gresser, Pizzeria Paradiso, Washington, DC

Outstanding Wine Program

Flight Wine Bar, Washington, DC

Outstanding Wine, Beer or Spirits Producer

Rutger de Vink, RdV Vineyards, Delaplane, VA

Rising Star Chef of the Year

Angel Barreto, Anju, Washington, DC

Daniela Moreira, Timber Pizza Co., Washington, DC

Paola Velez, Kith/Kin, Washington, DC

Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic (D.C., DE, MD, NJ, PA, VA)

Victor Albisu, Poca Madre, Washington, DC

Amy Brandwein, Centrolina, Washington, DC

Peter and Lisa Chang, Mama Chang, Fairfax, VA

Zenebech Dessu, Zenebech Restaurant, Washington, DC

Danny Lee, Anju, Washington, DC

Cagla Onal-Urel, Green Almond Pantry, Washington, DC

Jon Sybert, Tail Up Goat, Washington, DC

For a complete list of nominees across the nation, go here.