2010 James Beard Award Semifinalists Announced

And the Kentucky semifinalists are....

OUTSTANDING WINE AND SPIRITS PROFESSIONAL
Julian P. Van Winkle, III, Old Rip Van Winkle Distillery, Louisville, KY

BEST CHEF: SOUTHEAST
Anthony Lamas, Seviche, Louisville, KY
Edward Lee, 610 Magnolia, Louisville, KY
Jonathan Lundy, Jonathan at Gratz Park, Lexington, KY
Ouita Michel, Holly Hill Inn, Midway, KY

Final nominees will be announced on Monday, March 22, 2010, and winners will be announced May 3 in NYC.

Wow! How in the hell was I nominated? I always wondered how one makes the list. All I can say is that, I'm so proud and flattered by this nomination. This is my passion! Doing a dinner at the Beard House on March 16th and now I'm even more excited! This makes my year! Just to be nominated is something to be proud of! Thank you Louisville! Gosh I'm so stoked right now!

[Robin Garr]

Wow! How in the hell was I nominated? I always wondered how one makes the list.

It helps if there's a judge who really admires your work.

You are the MAN!!!

Wow! How in the hell was I nominated? I always wondered how one makes the list.

It helps if there's a judge who really admires your work.

And a city who values your hard work and excellent food. Viva Lamas and crew!

And the Kentucky semifinalists are....

OUTSTANDING WINE AND SPIRITS PROFESSIONAL
Julian P. Van Winkle, III, Old Rip Van Winkle Distillery, Louisville, KY

BEST CHEF: SOUTHEAST
Anthony Lamas, Seviche, Louisville, KY
Edward Lee, 610 Magnolia, Louisville, KY
Jonathan Lundy, Jonathan at Gratz Park, Lexington, KY
Ouita Michel, Holly Hill Inn, Midway, KY

Final nominees will be announced on Monday, March 22, 2010, and winners will be announced May 3 in NYC.

These are definitely all worthy and deserving nominees. For the chefs, I could easily put their four restaurants in my top 5 for the state.

OUTSTABDING ! Congrats to all.