It’s no surprise that New Orleans has a long list of culinary geniuses. Today, the James Beard Foundation announced the semifinalists for its annual awards, and New Orleans chefs/restaurants made the list 18 times! 12 were for nationwide awards and 6 were for Best of the South. These awards are about as good as you can get in the culinary world.

 

Let’s check out who the New Orleans semifinalists are:

 

Best Chef: South (Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Puerto Rico, Mississippi, and Louisiana)

 

Nina Compton of Compere Lapin

 

Michael Gulotta of MoPho

 

Slade Rushing of Brennan’s

 

Michael Stoltzfus and Kristen Essig of Coquette

 

Isaac Toups of Toups’ Meatery

 

Rebecca Wilcomb of Herbsaint

 

Outstanding Wine Program

 

Bacchanal Fine Wine & Spirits

 

Emeril’s

 

Outstanding Bar Program

 

Arnaud’s French 75

 

Cure

 

Outstanding Pastry Chef

 

Kelly Fields of Willa Jean

 

Outstanding Service

 

Brigsten’s

 

Galatoire’s

 

Outstanding Restauranteur

 

JoAnn Clevenger of Upperline

 

Best New Restaurant

 

Turkey and the Wolf

 

Rising Star Chef (30 or younger)

 

Zachary Engel of Shaya

 

Martha Wiggins of Sylvain

 

Outstanding Chef

 

Donald Link of Herbsaint

 

 

The finalists will be named on March 15th, and the winners will be announced in Chicago on May 1st. In the meantime, get out there and enjoy the many talents that New Orleans has to offer. Your stomach will thank you!