James Beard Finalists: West Chester Restaurant Does Not Advance

WEST CHESTER, PA — The James Beard Foundation has announced the finalists for this year's prestigious awards, and West Chester's representative in the competition, Andiario, didn't make the cut.

While fans on the local culinary scene and proud residents may be disappointed in the judges' decision, it's still an outstanding accomplishment for the restaurant to be considered for one of the "Oscars of the culinary world."

Just six restaurants/chefs in all of Eastern Pennsylvania made it through to the finals.

The upscale eatery sources ingredients seasonally from local "farmers, craftsmen, and purveyors," according to owners.

Chef and co-owner Anthony Andiario, a native of northeastern Pennsylvania, honed his skills in the kitchens of Phoenix for fourteen years, where he learned to "appreciate the connection between unadulterated product and exceptional food."

This year's nominations are the first since the foundation announced in October that it was changing is judging criteria to produce a more diverse list of nominees and winners, including a change calling for the judging panel to be made up of proportions representative of nationwide demographics.

The foundation said that 2019's theme is "Good Food For Good," which is synonymous with its mission.

"It is the simple summation of what the organization stands for, from unique and delicious dining experiences at the James Beard House and around the country, to scholarships, mentorships, and a variety of industry programs that educate and empower leaders in the food community," the foundation said in a press release.

The awards, which "recognize culinary professionals for excellence and achievement in their fields" were established in 1990. According to the foundation, each award category has an individual committee made up of industry professionals. Each committee oversees "the policies, procedures, and selection of judges for their respective awards programs," the foundation says.

Nominations are solicited in mid-October of each year. Nominations are then reviewed by the Foundations' Restaurant and Chef Committee to determine eligibility and regional representation, and are then voted on by more than 600 judges from across the country to determine the final nominees.

That same group of judges votes on the nominees to select the winners, who will receive a certificate and medallion engraved with the foundation's insignia.

You can see the full list of nominees here.

Beth Dalbey and Kara Seymour contributed to this report.