The semifinalists for this year’s James Beard Awards were announced on Wednesday, and several Florida restaurants and chefs were recognized.
The James Beard Awards recognize “exceptional talent and achievement in the culinary arts, hospitality, media and broader system.”
Lakeland’s Born & Bread Bakehouse was highlighted as one of the semifinalists for the Outstanding Bakery Award.
Rocca chef Bryce Bonsack was named as a semifinalist for Best Chef in the South.
Here’s the full list of the Florida restaurants and chefs that were named semifinalists:
Outstanding Bakery
- Born & Bread Bakehouse, Lakeland, FL
Outstanding Wine and Other Beverages Program
- Amara at Paraiso, Miami, FL
Best New Bar
- Bar Bucce, Miami, FL
Best Chef
- Michael Beltran, Ariete, Miami, FL
- Bryce Bonsack, Rocca, Tampa, FL
- Toni Elkhouri, Cedar’s Cafe, Melbourne, FL
- Maria Teresa Gallina and Nicolas Martinez, Recoveco, Miami, FL
- Barry Honan, Lotus Noodle Bar, St. Augustine, FL
- Maria La Mota and Chason Spencer, Chancho King, Jacksonville, FL
- Wendy Lopez, Reyes Mezcaleria, Orlando, FL
The finalists for the awards will be announced on Tuesday, March 31.
The winners will be celebrated at the James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards Ceremony on Monday, June 15 in Chicago.
To see the full list of semifinalists, click here.