2941 Pastry Chef Among James Beard Award Semifinalists

Caitlin Dysart of 2941 Restaurant in Falls Church is in the running to be named the Best Pastry Chef in the nation by the James Beard Foundation.

The semifinalists were named Wednesday by the prestigious culinary foundation. The foundation will announce the final Restaurant and Chef Award nominees, as well as the nominations for their Book, Journalism, Broadcast Media and Restaurant Design awards, at the James Beard House in New York City on Tuesday, March 24.

Here’s a little about Dysart, from a description on the restaurant Web site: “Dysart, a native of Springfield, began her pastry career in New Orleans after attending Tulane University. She began working in the kitchen of a European-style patisserie on a whim, and never looked back. After completing formal training at the French Pastry School in Chicago, she returned to Virginia and began working at 2941 under former pastry chef Anthony Chavez, first as a pastry cook, then as pastry sous chef. Caitlin took the position of pastry chef after the renovation of 2941 in early 2012. She is excited to combine her classic French training with the Mediterranean influence of the new restaurant concept.”

2941 Restaurant is located at 2941 Fairview Park Dr.

PHOTO: Caitlin Dysart photo and image of dessert, both from 2941 Restaurant Web site