Atlanta's 'The Federal' Semifinalist For 2017 Restaurant & Chef Awards

ATLANTA, GA -- An Atlanta eatery has been nominated for Best New Restaurant in the 2017 Restaurant and Chef Awards, the James Beard Foundation announced Wednesday.

The Federal, a brand-new addition to the Midtown food scene, was chosen from a field of more than 24,000 restaurants, the foundation said.

The Federal, whose name plays off the nearby Federal Reserve Bank, has been open about three months and serves delicious steak plates in a bistro vibe. The restaurant features European sensibilities in decor and food.

The Crescent Avenue spot replaced Bantam + Biddy's fast-casual concept, which didn't hold up well among the club crowds and established set that preferred the venerable Front Page News eatery down the street.

Several metro Atlanta establishments were nominated in various categories, including Gunshow's Kevin Gillespie, Steven Satterfield at Miller Union and Ryan Smith of Staplehouse, all for Best Chef: Southeast.

Sarah O’Brien at Little Tart is nominated for Best Baker. Ford Fry over at The Optimist and Superica, along with Taqueria del Sol's Eddie Hernandez and Mike Klank are up for Outstanding Restaurateur.

The Restaurant and Chef Awards final nominees will be announced Wednesday, March 15 in Los Angeles and on Twitter and Facebook Live.

The grand prize will be announced May 1 at the James Beard Foundation Awards Gala at the Lyric Opera of Chicago.

The James Beard Awards have been around since 1990, honoring the nation's top chefs and recognizing culinary excellence. The full list of semifinalists has been posted online.

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