The Oscars of the restaurant world without question are the James Beard Awards. Just a nomination for a Beard award ensures immortality; a win puts you on a pedestal few ever know. The 2019 James Beard Award Semifinal Nominees were announced on 3/27 and Atlanta talent is well represented with hopes of getting the win at the ceremony in Chicago on May 6th. Here are the nominees from operations in Atlanta:
Outstanding Baker
Chris Wilkins of Root Baking Co. at Ponce City Market
Outstanding Bar Program
Ticonderoga Club at Krog Street Market
Kimball House in Decatur
Also of note, The Atomic Bar in Birmingham, AL
Best Chef Southeast
Brian So of Spring in Marietta
Bryan Furman of B’s Cracklin’ Barbecue in Atlanta
Ryan Smith of Staplehouse in Atlanta
Meherwan Irani of Chai Pani in Decatur and Asheville, NC
Mashama Bailey of The Grey in Savannah
Rising Star Chef
Nolan Wynn of Banshee in East Atlanta Village
Outstanding Restaurateur
Chef Hugh Acheson of Empire State South in Atlanta and Five & Ten and The National in Athens
Steve Palmer of The Indigo Road restaurant group — Donetto, O-Ku, Colletta, Oak Steakhouse, and Tiny Lou’s in Atlanta and The Macintosh, Oak Steakhouse, and Indaco in Charleston, SC
Outstanding Service
Kimball House in Decatur
Outstanding Wine Program
Miller Union in Atlanta
Disclosure: Some Vox Media staff members are part of the voting body for the James Beard Foundation Awards. Winners in the book/television/journalism categories will be announced at a dinner in New York on April 26.