Local

Atlanta Restaurants Named As Semifinalists For 2015 James Beard Awards

February 18th, 2015

The “Oscars of the food world” have announced its semifinalists, and some familiar Atlanta restaurants are among those vying for a top spot.

Among those restaurants appearing on the James Beard Foundation’s list of possible best restaurants, chefs and beverage professionals in the country are Cakes and Ale, Gunshow and The General Muir. Atlanta and Decatur individuals and restaurants racked up 13 nominations in total.

Lusca, the new restaurant by chefs/owners Angus Brown (Octopus Bar) and Nhan Le (Octopus Bar, So Ba), earned recognition as a semifinalist for “Best New Restaurant.” Chef Brown told WABE he was thrilled to hear the news.

“It was surreal seeing our name on that list with so many other great restaurants we admire from around the country. It’s a dream come true to be nominated for a James Beard Award and makes all the hard work worthwhile. Being from Atlanta, it’s especially exciting to represent the city in the Best New Restaurant category this year!” Brown said.

Finalists for the awards are announced March 24, and the winners will be named at a ceremony on April 24 in New York.

Check out all of the Atlanta and Decatur’s semifinalists below. The full list of semifinalists is available on the James Beard website.

Best New Restaurant

Lusca

Outstanding Bar Program

Kimball House

Outstanding Pastry Chef

Pamela Moxley, Miller Union,

Outstanding Restaurant

Bacchanalia

Outstanding Restauranteur

Ford Fry (The Optimist, JCT, King + Duke, etc.)