VA, DC's James Beard Award 2020 Semifinalists Announced

WASHINGTON, DC — Several Washington, D.C., and Virginia restaurants and bars were among those the James Beard Foundation on Wednesday announced as semifinalists for its restaurant and chef awards. The awards, now in their 30th year, are regarded as the Oscar Awards of the culinary industry.

Semifinalists announced by the James Beard Foundation include 14 restaurants, chefs and bars in Washington, D.C., and Virginia.

The semifinalists are in 11 categories: best new restaurant; outstanding restaurant; outstanding baker; outstanding pastry chef; outstanding chef; rising chef stars age 30 or younger; outstanding bar program; outstanding wine program; outstanding wine, beer or spirits producer; outstanding restaurateur; and outstanding hospitality.

Here are the DC and Virginia contenders:

Best New Restaurant: Rooster & Owl, Washington, D.C.; Thamee, Washington, D.C.

Outstanding Baker: Evrim Dogu and Evin Dogu, Sub Rosa Bakery, Richmond, Virginia

Outstanding Chef: Ann Cashion, Johnny's Half Shell, Washington, D.C.; Vikram Sunderam, Rasika, Washington, D.C.

Outstanding Hospitality: Marcel's, Washington, D.C.

Outstanding Pastry Chef: Katherine Thompson, Thompson Italian, Falls Church, Virginia

Outstanding Restaurant: Jaleo, Washington, D.C.; Komi, Washington, D.C.

Outstanding Restaurateur: Ruth Gresser, Pizzeria Paradiso, Washington, D.C. (Pizzeria Paradiso)

Outstanding Wine Program: Flight Wine Bar, Washington, D.C.

Outstanding Wine, Beer or Spirits Producer: Rutger de Vink, RdV Vineyards, Delaplane, Virginia

Rising Star Chef of the Year: Angel Barreto, Anju, Washington, D.C.; and Daniela Moreira, Timber Pizza Co., Washington, D.C.

James Beard Foundation Semifinalists: The Full List

Finalists in all categories will be announced at a news conference at 9 a.m. EDT on March 25 in Philadelphia.

The list of semifinalists was voted on by more than 600 judges from across the country. The same group of judges — who include leading regional restaurant critics, food and wine editors, culinary instructors and past James Beard winners — vote to determine the finalists. The votes are tabulated by independent auditors from EisnerAmper.

The winners will be announced in May.

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