James Beard Award Semi-finalists Announced

It’s an exciting time of year for restaurants with the announcement of the James Beard Award 2019 Semi-finalists! Although the awards are still two months away, to be a semifinalist is a supreme honor and we are extremely excited to congratulate our wonderful customers for everything they have achieved so far. Although there are a multitude of amazing chefs honored in 21 categories, we’d like to give special attention to our “Best Chefs” and “Best Restaurant” winners across the top eight categories.

Congratulations to our…

Best New Restaurants

Andiario, West Chester, PA

Bardea Food and Drink, Wilmington, DE

Elle, Washington, D.C

Outstanding Restaurants

Bolete, Bethlehem, PA

Jaleo, Washington, D.C.

Komi, Washington, D.C.

Sagami, Collingswood, NJ

Zahav, Philadelphia

Outstanding Chefs

Vikram Sunderam, Rasika, Washington, D.C.

Fabio Trabocchi, Fiola, Washington, D.C.

Marc Vetri, Vetri Cucina, Philadelphia

Rising Star Chef 

Jesse Ito, Royal Izakaya, Philadelphia

Outstanding Restaurateurs 

Ellen Yin, High Street Hospitality Group, Philadelphia

Julie Petrakis and James Petrakis, Swine Family Restaurant Group, Orlando, FL

Richard DeShantz and Tolga Sevdik, Richard DeShantz Restaurant Group, Pittsburgh, PA

Best Chefs in the Mid-Atlantic U.S.

Joey Baldino, Zeppoli, Collingswood, NJ

Tom Cunanan, Bad Saint, Washington, D.C.

Nicholas Elmi, Laurel, Philadelphia

Haidar Karoum, Chloë, Washington, D.C.

Matthew Kern, Heirloom, Lewes, DE

Jon Sybert, Tail Up Goat, Washington, D.C.

Kevin Tien, Himitsu, Washington, D.C.

Cindy Wolf, Charleston, Baltimore

Nobu Yamazaki, Sushi Taro, Washington, D.C.

Jamilka Borges, The Independent Brewing Company, Pittsburgh

Best Chefs New York

Erik Ramirez, Llama Inn, Brooklyn, NY

Alex Stupak, Empellón (Midtown)

Best Chefs Southern U.S.

Lindsay Autry, The Regional Kitchen & Public House, West Palm Beach, FL

Clay Conley, Buccan, Palm Beach, FL

Brad Kilgore, Alter, Miami

Every one of the semi-finalist show true culinary skill, creativity, and leadership. Samuels’ passion for fresh seafood only truly comes alive in the dishes our chefs create and we are proud to supply premium products to such dedicated and talented chefs.