I just finished voting in the James Beard Awards finals and thought I'd pass along the finalists not only from Louisville but from the region, as some of the more outlying candidates didn't make it into local media.
Frankly, I was a little disappointed that none of our Under 30 rising stars made the list after all the effort we put into it and the good advice I got from this group; ditto for a couple of my finalist nominees who didn't show up in the finals. I've put out a courteous but curious query about that.
In any case, read 'em and applaud ... let's hope they all make it to the awards podium!
BEST NEW RESTAURANT:
Milkwood, Louisville.
BEST CHEF: SOUTHEAST
Chefs who have set new or consistent standards of excellence in their respective regions. Candidates may be from any kind of dining establishment and must have been working as a chef for at least five years with the three most recent years spent in the region. (GA, KY, NC, SC, TN, WV)
Kathy Cary, Lilly's, Louisville, KY
Edward Lee, 610 Magnolia, Louisville, KY
BEST CHEF: GREAT LAKES
Chefs who have set new or consistent standards of excellence in their respective regions. Candidates may be from any kind of dining establishment and must have been working as a chef for at least five years with the three most recent years spent in the region. (DC, DE, MD, NJ, PA, VA)
David Tallent, Restaurant Tallent, Bloomington, IN
OUTSTANDING WINE, SPIRITS, AND BEER PROFESSIONAL
A winemaker, brewer or spirits professional who has made significant national impact on the wines and spirits industry.
Mike Floyd, Nick Floyd, and Simon Floyd, Three Floyds Brewing, Munster, IN
Harlen Wheatley, Buffalo Trace Distillery, Frankfort, KY