Don't get too excited over the list of James Beard Award nominees released today on New York Mag's site.
Of course, it's an honor for a chef or restaurateur to be included, but keep in mind that this is the big list that goes to judges (like The Inquirer's Craig LaBan), who help to pare them down to five names in each category.
Each of the categories has about 20 names now.
Awards ceremony — likened to the Academy Awards of food — will be June 8.
On the national stage:
Stephen Starr is up for restaurateur.
Marc Vetri of Vetri, for chef.
Vetri is on the list for service.
Lacroix at the Rittenhouse, for wine service.
Kate Honeyman of the Starr-owned Continental Mid-town, for pastry chef.
Jeff Michaud of Osteria, Chip Roman of Conshy’s Blackfish and Michael Solomonov of Marigold Kitchen, for “rising star chef” (for those under 30). Michaud turned 30 last July. Solomonov turns 30 this September. Roman is 28.
Osteria (owned by Marc Vetri, Jeff Benjamin and Jeff Michaud), Tinto (owned by Jose Garces) and Xochitl (owned by Michael Solomonov, Steven Cook and Dionicio Jimenez), for new restaurant.
For best chef, mid-Atlantic, nominees are Alison Barshak of Alison at Blue Bell, Jim Burke of James in South Philly, Michael DiBianca of Moro in Wilmington, Jose Garces of Amada in Old City, Matthew Levin of Lacroix at the Rittenhouse, and Daniel Stern of Rae in University City.