FOOD NEWS: James Beard Foundation Announces 2013 Semifinalists

The James Beard Foundation announced today the semifinalists in the 2013 Restaurant and Chef Awards. The state of Washington was well represented in many categories. Below is a listing of the semifinalists from Washington State. The finalists will be announced March 18, 2013. You'll have to wait until May 6, 2013 for the winners of each category.

BEST NEW RESTAURANT
Shanik - Seattle
The Whale Wins - Seattle

OUTSTANDING BAR PROGRAM
Canon - Seattle

OUTSTANDING CHEF
Maria Hines - Tilth, Golden Beetle, Argodolce - Seattle

OUTSTANDING PASTRY CHEF
William Leaman - Bakery Nouveau - Seattle

OUTSTANDING RESTAURANT
Canlis - Seattle

OUTSTANDING RESTAURATEUR
John Howie - John Howie Restaurant Group - John Howie Steak, Seastar Restaurant and Raw Bar - Bellevue

OUTSTANDING SERVICE
Café Juanita - Kirkland

RISING STAR CHEF OF THE YEAR
Mark Bodinet - Copperleaf Restaurant at Cedarbrook Lodge - Seattle
Chris Weber - The Herbfarm - Woodinville
Blaine Wetzel - The Willows Inn on Lummi Island - Lummi Island

BEST CHEF: NORTHWEST
Chris Ainsworth - Saffron Mediterranean Kitchen - Walla Walla
Renee Erickson - The Whale Wins, The Walrus and the Carpenter - Seattle
Jason Franey - Canlis - Seattle
Nathan Lockwood - Altura - Seattle
Ethan Stowell - Ethan Stowell Restaurants - Seattle
Jason Stratton - Cascina Spinasse - Seattle
Rachel Yang and Seif Chirchi - Joule, Revel - Seattle

Congratulations to all of the semifinalists! What a fine group representing the great state of Washington. I wish you all the best of luck!

You can view the entire list of semifinalists from around the country at the James Beard Foundation website.