The prestigious James Beard Foundation just announced the official semifinal list for their 2023 Restaurant and Chef Awards. Out of all the tens of thousands of restaurants around the country, Charlotte racked up a total of 3 semifinalists among the best of the best – more than any other city in the South East.
The official list includes Leah & Louise‘s chef Greg Collier in the Outstanding Chef category, Counter-‘s chef Sam Hart in the Best Chef in the Southeast category, and Salud Cerveceria in the Outstanding Bar category.
“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 in a press release. “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 finalists will be announced on March 29th, and the awards will be given out to the winners at the James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards Ceremony on Monday, June 5, 2023, at the Lyric Opera House in Chicago.
Who do you think should win?