JAMES BEARD FOUNDATION® announced 2023 restaurant and chef awards semifinalists | Two Wilmington Chefs are semifinalists

Seabird, new seafood restaurant and oyster bar now open in Wilmington

WILMINGTON, N.C. (CAPE FEAR WEEKEND) -

The James Beard Foundation announced its semifinalist list today for the first time in two years. These highly respected industry awards were much anticipated. Two chefs from Wilmington restaurants are semifinalists.

Our North Carolina Chefs compete in the Southeast regional category among Georgia, Kentucky, South Carolina, Tennessee and West Virginia.

Dean Neff of Seabird has been selected along with Keith Rhodes of Catch.

Several other North Carolina chefs are on the list of semifinalists. The actual nominees will be officially announced on their website on Wednesday, March 29th.

According to a press release:

The James Beard Foundation® announced today its 2023 Restaurant and Chef Awards Semifinalists in advance of the James Beard Awards® presented by Capital One. The full list of 2023 Restaurant and Chef Awards Semifinalists can be found below and on the James Beard Foundation website. Nominees will be announced on Wednesday, March 29, and winners will be celebrated at the James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards Ceremony on Monday, June 5, 2023, at the Lyric Opera of Chicago.

“Congratulations to all our 2023 James Beard Award Semifinalists! This is always an exhilarating moment as we kick off the Awards cycle and recognize the outstanding achievements of individuals and teams across the country,” said Clare Reichenbach, CEO of the James Beard Foundation. “After a year of fundamental changes, we look forward to building on the progress made, celebrating those paving a better future for us all—through their talent and craft, service to others, and commitment to a better, more sustainable industry. We look forward to sharing more exciting details for the 2023 ceremonies in the coming days.”

The James Beard Awards, considered to be among the nation’s most prestigious honors, recognize exceptional talent in the culinary and food media industries, as well as a demonstrated commitment to racial and gender equity, community, sustainability, and a culture where all can thrive.

Kolby Bass

Kolby Bass

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