The James Beard Foundation has announced the restaurant and chef semifinalists for the 2012 James Beard Awards. The semifinalists were selected from a record 57,000 online entries, a nearly 50 percent increase from the previous year. This year, the Foundation added a new award category -- Outstanding Bar Program -- that recognizes a restaurant or bar that demonstrates excellence in cocktail, spirits and/or beer service.
The Foundation will announce the five finalists in each category, as determined by more than 550 volunteer judges from across the country, on March 19th. The winners will be announced May 7th at the annual Awards Ceremony.
The Columbia Room, Washington, D.C.
Frank Ruta, Palena, Washington, D.C.
Ashok Bajaj, Knightsbridge Restaurant Group, Washington, D.C.