The James Beard Foundation has just announced the finalists for the 2009 James Beard Awards which honor some of America’s most respected restaurants, chefs, food authors, journalists, and restaurants.This year’s finalists were chosen by approximately 400 judges from a pool of over 15,000 entries from across the country.

Below are selections from the list of finalists for the upcoming James Beard Awards which will be held on May 3rd and 4th at Alice Tully Hall in New York City.

We’ve organized the list by state to make it easier for you to discover both emerging and established gourmet restaurants and professionals in your area and the places you visit on your foodie vacations and culinary adventures.

Enjoy!

Alabama:

Outstanding Restaurant Finalist: Frank Stitt, Highlands Bar & Grill, Birmingham, AL

• Outstanding Chef Semifinalist: Highlands Bar & Grill, Birmingham, AL
• Best Chef/ South Semifinalist: Christopher Hastings, Hot and Hot Fish Club, Birmingham, AL

Arizona:

Alas, there were no 2009 James Beard Award Finalists for this state, please see the list of JBA Semifinalists below:

• Outstanding Chef Semifinalist: Vincent Guerithault, Vincent on Camelback, Phoenix, AZ
• Outstanding Chef Semifinalist: Janos Wilder, Janos, Tucson, AZ
• Best New Restaurant Semifinalist: Noca, Phoenix, AZ
• Best Chef/ Southwest Semifinalist: Kevin Binkley, Binkley’s Restaurant, Cave Creek, AZ
• Best Chef/ Southwest Semifinalist: Marc Ehrler, The Ventana Room at Loews Ventana Canyon Resort, Tucson, AZ
• Best Chef/ Southwest Semifinalist: Beau MacMillan, Elements at Sanctuary Camelback Mountain Resort and Spa, Paradise Valley, AZ

Arkansas:

Alas, there were no 2009 James Beard Award Finalists for this state, please see the list of JBA Semifinalists below:

• Best Chef/ South Semifinalist: Lee Richardson, Ashley’s, Capital Hotel, Little Rock, AR

California:

Outstanding Chef Finalist: Suzanne Goin, Lucques, Los Angeles, CA

Outstanding Restaurant Finalist: Boulevard, San Francisco, CA

Rising Star Chef of the Year Finalist: Nate Appleman, A16, San Francisco, CA

Best New Restaurant Finalist: The Bazaar by José Andrés at SLS Hotel at Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, CA

Best Chef/ Pacific Finalist: Jeremy Fox, Ubuntu, Napa, CA

Best Chef/ Pacific Finalist: Douglas Keane, Cyrus, Healdsburg, CA

Best Chef/ Pacific Finalist: Loretta Keller, Coco500, San Francisco, CA

Best Chef/ Pacific Finalist: David Kinch, Manresa, Los Gatos, CA

Best Chef/ Pacific Semifinalist: Daniel Patterson, Coi, San Francisco, CA

• Outstanding Chef Semifinalist: Michael Mina, Michael Mina, San Francisco, CA
• Outstanding Chef Semifinalist: Charles Phan, The Slanted Door, San Francisco, CA
• Outstanding Restaurant Semifinalist: Delfina, San Francisco, CA
• Outstanding Restaurant Semifinalist: Greens, San Francisco, CA
• Best New Restaurant Semifinalist: Animal, Los Angeles, CA
• Best New Restaurant Semifinalist: Bottega, Yountville, CA
• Best New Restaurant Semifinalist: Camino, Oakland, CA
• Best New Restaurant Semifinalist: Palate Food & Wine, Glendale, CA
• Rising Star Chef of the Year Semifinalist: Evan Funke, Rustic Canyon Wine Bar and Seasonal Kitchen, Santa Monica, CA
• Rising Star Chef of the Year Semifinalist: Travis Lett, Gjelina, Venice, CA
• Best Chef/ Pacific Semifinalist: Gino Angelini, Angelini Osteria, Los Angeles, CA
• Best Chef/ Pacific Semifinalist: James Boyce, Studio at Montage Laguna Beach, Laguna Beach, CA
• Best Chef/ Pacific Semifinalist: Michael Cimarusti, Providence, Los Angeles, CA
• Best Chef/ Pacific Semifinalist: Josiah Citrin, Mélisse, Santa Monica, CA
• Best Chef/ Pacific Semifinalist: Chris Cosentino, Incanto, San Francisco, CA
• Best Chef/ Pacific Semifinalist: Quinn Hatfield, Hatfield’s, Los Angeles, CA
• Best Chef/ Pacific Semifinalist: Chris Kobayashi, Artisan, Paso Robles, CA
• Best Chef/ Pacific Semifinalist: Christopher Kostow, The Restaurant at Meadowood, St. Helena, CA
• Best Chef/ Pacific Semifinalist: David Myers, Sona, Los Angeles, CA
• Best Chef/ Pacific Semifinalist: Gayle Pirie and John Clark, Foreign Cinema, San Francisco, CA
• Best Chef/ Pacific Semifinalist: Craig Strong, The Dining Room at the Langham, Pasadena, CA
• Best Chef/ Pacific Semifinalist: Jason Travi, Fraîche, Culver City, CA

Colorado:

Best Chef/ Southwest Finalist: Ryan Hardy, Montagna at the Little Nell, Aspen, CO

• Best Chef/ Southwest Semifinalist: Mark Fischer, Restaurant Six89, Carbondale, CO
• Best Chef/ Southwest Semifinalist: Kelly Liken, Kelly Liken, Vail, CO
• Best Chef/ Southwest Semifinalist: Alex Seidel, Fruition Restaurant, Denver, CO

Delaware:

Alas, there were no 2009 James Beard Award Finalists for this state, please see the list of JBA Semifinalists below:

• Best Chef/ Mid-Atlantic Semifinalist: Jay Caputo, Espuma, Rehoboth Beach, DE
• Best Chef/ Mid-Atlantic Semifinalist: Michael DiBianca, Moro, Wilmington, DE

District of Columbia:

Outstanding Chef Finalist: Jose Andres, Minibar, Washington, DC

Rising Star Chef of the Year Finalist: Johnny Monis, Komi, Washington, DC

Best Chef/ Mid-Atlantic Finalist: Peter Pastan, Obelisk, Washington, DC

Best Chef/ Mid-Atlantic Finalist: Vikram Sunderam, Rasika, Washington, DC

• Outstanding Restaurant Semifinalist: Vidalia, Washington, DC
• Outstanding Restaurant Semifinalist: Kinkead’s, Washington, DC
• Best New Restaurant Semifinalist: Cork, Washington, DC
• Best Chef/ Mid-Atlantic Semifinalist: Haidar Karoum, Proof, Washington, DC
• Best Chef/ Mid-Atlantic Semifinalist: Tom Power, Corduroy, Washington, DC

Florida:

Best Chef/ South Finalist: Zach Bell, Café Boulud at the Brazilian Court, Palm Beach, FL

Best Chef/ South Finalist: Douglas Rodriguez, Ola, Miami Beach, FL

Best Chef/ South Finalist: Michael Schwartz, Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink, Miami, FL

• Outstanding Restaurant Semifinalist: Bern’s Steak House, Tampa, FL
• Best New Restaurant Semifinalist: Sra. Martinez, Miami, FL
• Best Chef/ South Semifinalist: Derek Barnes, Derek’s Culinary Casual, Sarasota, FL
• Best Chef/ South Semifinalist: Tom Gray, Bistro Aix, Jacksonville, FL
• Best Chef/ South Semifinalist: Zack Gross, Z Grille, St. Petersburg, FL
• Best Chef/ South Semifinalist: Scott Hunnel, Victoria & Albert’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Orlando, FL
• Best Chef/ South Semifinalist: Philip Krajeck, Fish Out of Water at WaterColor Inn & Resort, Santa Rosa Beach, FL
• Best Chef/ South Semifinalist: Edgar Leal, Cacao Restaurant, Coral Gables, FL
• Best Chef/ South Semifinalist: Dean James Max, 3030 Ocean, Fort Lauderdale, FL
• Best Chef/ South Semifinalist: Jeanie Roland, The Perfect Caper, Punta Gorda, FL
• Best Chef/ South Semifinalist: Philippe Ruiz, Palme d’Or at Biltmore, Coral Gables, FL
• Best Chef/ South Semifinalist: Michael Schwartz, Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink, Miami, FL

Georgia:

Best Chef/ Southeast Finalist: Hugh Acheson, Five and Ten, Athens, GA

Best Chef/ Southeast Semifinalist: Linton Hopkins, Restaurant Eugene, Atlanta, GA

• Outstanding Chef Semifinalist: Anne Quatrano, Bacchanalia, Atlanta, GA
• Outstanding Chef Semifinalist: Scott Peacock, Watershed, Decatur, GA
• Outstanding Restaurant Semifinalist: Bacchanalia, Atlanta, GA
• Best New Restaurant Semifinalist: Holeman and Finch Public House, Atlanta, GA
• Rising Star Chef of the Year Semifinalist: Kevin Gillespie, Woodfire Grill, Atlanta, GA
• Best Chef/ Southeast Semifinalist: Arnaud Berthelier, The Dining Room at the Ritz-Carlton, Buckhead, Atlanta, GA
• Best Chef/ Southeast Semifinalist: Hector Santiago, Pura Vida, Atlanta, GA

Hawaii:

Alas, there were no 2009 James Beard Award Finalists for this state, please see the list of JBA Semifinalists below:

• Outstanding Restaurant Semifinalist: Alan Wong’s Restaurant, Honolulu, HI
• Best New Restaurant Semifinalist: Merriman’s Kapalua, Maui, Lahaina, HI
• Best Chef/ Pacific Semifinalist: Hiroshi Fukui, Hiroshi Eurasion Tapas, Honolulu, HI
• Best Chef/ Pacific Semifinalist: Bev Gannon, Joe’s, Wailea, HI
• Best Chef/ Pacific Semifinalist: Peter Merriman, Merriman’s, Waimea, HI

Idaho:

Alas, there were no 2009 James Beard Award Finalists for this state, please see the list of JBA Semifinalists below:

• Best Chef/ Northwest Semifinalist: Dustan Bristol, Brick 29 Bistro, Nampa, ID

Illinois:

Outstanding Chef Finalist: Paul Kahan, Blackbird, Chicago, IL

Best New Restaurant Semifinalist: L2O, Chicago, IL

Best Chef/ Great Lakes Finalist: Koren Grieveson, Avec, Chicago, IL

Best Chef/ Great Lakes Finalist: Arun Sampanthavivat, Arun’s, Chicago, IL

Best Chef/ Great Lakes Finalist: Bruce Sherman, North Pond, Chicago, IL

• Outstanding Chef Semifinalist: Jean Joho, Everest, Chicago, IL
• Outstanding Restaurant Semifinalist: Blackbird, Chicago, IL
• Outstanding Restaurant Semifinalist: Everest, Chicago, IL
• Best Chef/ Great Lakes Semifinalist: Suzy Crofton, Crofton on Wells, Chicago, IL
• Best Chef/ Great Lakes Semifinalist: Christophe David, Nomi at Park Hyatt Chicago, IL
• Best Chef/ Great Lakes Semifinalist: Curtis Duffy, Avenues at the Peninsula Chicago, IL
• Best Chef/ Great Lakes Semifinalist: Kendal Duque, Sepia, Chicago, IL
• Best Chef/ Great Lakes Semifinalist: Michael Maddox, Le Titi De Paris, Arlington Heights, IL
• Best Chef/ Great Lakes Semifinalist: Martial Noguier, Café des Architectes at Sofitel Chicago Water Tower, Chicago, IL
• Best Chef/ Great Lakes Semifinalist: Giuseppe Tentori, Boka, Chicago, IL
• Best Chef/ Great Lakes Semifinalist: Paul Virant, Vie, Western Springs, IL

Indiana:

Alas, there were no 2009 James Beard Award Finalists for this state, please see the list of JBA Semifinalists below:

• Best Chef/ Great Lakes Semifinalist: David Tallent, Restaurant Tallent, Bloomington, IN

Iowa:

Alas, there were no 2009 James Beard Award Finalists for this state, please see the list of JBA Semifinalists below:

• Best New Restaurant Semifinalist: Django, Des Moines, IA
• Best Chef/ Midwest Semifinalist: George Formaro, Centro, Des Moines, IA
• Best Chef/ Midwest Semifinalist: Enosh Kelly, Bistro Montage, Des Moines, IA
• Best Chef/ Midwest Semifinalist: Steve Logsdon, Basil Prosperi’s Lucca, Des Moines, IA

Kentucky:

Alas, there were no 2009 James Beard Award Finalists for this state, please see the list of JBA Semifinalists below:

• Best Chef/ Southeast Semifinalist: Edward Lee, 610 Magnolia, Louisville, KY
• Best Chef/ Southeast Semifinalist: Ouita Michel, Holly Hill Inn, Midway, KY

Louisiana:

Rising Star Chef of the Year Finalist: Sue Zemanick, Gautreau’s, New Orleans, LA

Best Chef/ South Finalist: John Harris, Lilette, New Orleans, LA

• Outstanding Restaurant Semifinalist: Brigtsen’s, New Orleans, LA
• Best Chef/ South Semifinalist: Scott Boswell, Stella!, New Orleans, LA
• Best Chef/ South Semifinalist: Aaron Burgau, Patois, New Orleans, LA
• Best Chef/ South Semifinalist: David Solazzo and Torre Solazzo, Ristorante Del Porto, Covington, LA

Maine:

Outstanding Restaurant Finalist: Fore Street, Portland, ME

Best Chef/ Northeast Finalist: Rob Evans, Hugo’s, Portland, ME

Best Chef/ Northeast Finalist: Clark Frasier and Mark Gaier, Arrows Restaurant, Ogunquit, ME

• Outstanding Chef Semifinalist: Sam Hayward, Fore Street, Portland, ME
• Best New Restaurant Semifinalist: Emilitsa, Portland, ME
• Best Chef/ Northeast Semifinalist: Penelle Chase, Phoebe Chase, Megan Chase, and Ted Lafage, Chase’s Daily, Belfast, ME
• Best Chef/ Northeast Semifinalist: Rich Hanson, Cleonice, Ellsworth, ME Best Chef/ Northeast Semifinalist: Brian Hill, Francine Bistro, Camden, ME

Maryland:

Alas, there were no 2009 James Beard Award Finalists for this state, please see the list of JBA Semifinalists below:

• Best New Restaurant Semifinalist: Volt, Frederick, MD
• Best Chef/ Mid-Atlantic Semifinalist: Cindy Wolf, Charleston, Baltimore, MD

Massachusetts:

Best Chef/ Northeast Finalist: Michael Leviton, Lumière, West Newton, MA

Best Chef/ Northeast Semifinalist: Tony Maws, Craigie On Main, Cambridge, MA

Best Chef/ Northeast Semifinalist: Marc Orfaly, Pigalle, Boston, MA

• Outstanding Chef Semifinalist: Barbara Lynch, No. 9 Park, Boston, MA
• Outstanding Chef Semifinalist: Ana Sortun, Oleana, Cambridge, MA
• Outstanding Restaurant Semifinalist: Hamersley’s Bistro, Boston, MA
• Best New Restaurant Semifinalist: Hungry Mother, Cambridge, MA
• Rising Star Chef of the Year Semifinalist: Will Gilson, Garden at the Cellar, Cambridge, MA
• Best Chef/ Northeast Semifinalist: Gabriel Bremer, Salts, Cambridge, MA
• Best Chef/ Northeast Semifinalist: Gabriel Frasca and Amanda Lydon, Straight Wharf Restaurant, Nantucket, MA
• Best Chef/ Northeast Semifinalist: Andy Husbands, Tremont 647, Boston, MA
• Best Chef/ Northeast Semifinalist: Steve Johnson, Rendezvous in Central Square, Cambridge, MA
• Best Chef/ Northeast Semifinalist: Michael LaScola, American Seasons, Nantucket, MA

Michigan:

Best Chef/ Great Lakes Finalist: Alex Young, Zingerman’s Roadhouse, Ann Arbor, MI

• Best Chef/ Great Lakes Semifinalist: Ali Barker, Bistro on the Boulevard, St. Joseph, MI
• Best Chef/ Great Lakes Semifinalist: Luciano Del Signore, Bacco Ristorante, Southfield, MI
• Best Chef/ Great Lakes Semifinalist: Brian Polcyn, Five Lakes Grill, Milford, MI
• Best Chef/ Great Lakes Semifinalist: John Somerville, The Lark, West Bloomfield, MI

Minnesota:

Best Chef/ Midwest Finalist: Isaac Becker, 112 Eatery, Minneapolis, MN

Best Chef/ Midwest Finalist: Tim McKee, La Belle Vie, Minneapolis, MN

Best Chef/ Midwest Semifinalist: Alexander Roberts, Restaurant Alma, Minneapolis, MN

• Outstanding Restaurant Semifinalist: Lucia’s Restaurant, Minneapolis, MN
• Rising Star Chef of the Year Semifinalist: Justin Schoville, Söntés, Rochester, MN
• Rising Star Chef of the Year Semifinalist: Sameh Wadi, Saffron Restaurant & Lounge, Minneapolis, MN
• Best Chef/ Midwest Semifinalist: Scott Pampuch, Corner Table, Minneapolis, MN
• Best Chef/ Midwest Semifinalist: Lenny Russo, Heartland, St. Paul, MN
• Best Chef/ Midwest Semifinalist: Stewart Woodman, Heidi’s Minneapolis, MN

Mississippi:

Best Chef/ South Finalist: John Currence, City Grocery, Oxford, MS

• Best Chef/ South Semifinalist: Derek Emerson, Walker’s Drive-In, Jackson, MS

Missouri:

Best Chef/ Midwest Finalist: Gerard Craft, Niche, St. Louis, MO

Best Chef/ Midwest Semifinalist: Colby Garrelts, Bluestem, Kansas City, MO

• Outstanding Chef Semifinalist: Michael Smith, Restaurant Michael Smith, Kansas City, MO
• Best Chef/ Midwest Semifinalist: Josh Galliano, Monarch, St. Louis, MO
• Best Chef/ Midwest Semifinalist: Kevin Nashan, Sidney Street Cafe, St. Louis, MO
• Best Chef/ Midwest Semifinalist: Mike Odette, Sycamore, Columbia, MO

Nebraska:

Alas, there were no 2009 James Beard Award Finalists for this state, please see the list of JBA Semifinalists below:

• Best Chef/ Midwest Semifinalist: Jennifer Coco, The Flatiron Cafe, Omaha, NE

Nevada:

Best Chef/ Southwest Finalist: Paul Bartolotta, Bartolotta Ristorante di Mare at Wynn Las Vegas, NV

Best Chef/ Southwest Finalist: Claude Le Tohic, Joël Robuchon at the Mansion at MGM Grand Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas, NV

• Best New Restaurant Semifinalist: Raku, Las Vegas, NV
• Rising Star Chef of the Year Semifinalist: Vannessa Garcia, Restaurant Charlie at the Palazzo, Las Vegas, NV
• Rising Star Chef of the Year Semifinalist: Sarah Kosikowski, Michael Mina at Bellagio, Las Vegas, NV
• Best Chef/ Southwest Semifinalist: Saipin Chutima, Lotus of Siam, Las Vegas, NV

New Jersey:

Best Chef/ Mid-Atlantic Finalist: Maricel Presilla, Cucharamama, Hoboken, NJ

• Best New Restaurant Semifinalist: Izakaya at Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa, Atlantic City, NJ
• Best Chef/ Mid-Atlantic Semifinalist: Steven Cameron, Blue, Surf City, NJ
• Best Chef/ Mid-Atlantic Semifinalist: Andrea Carbine, A Toute Heure, Cranford, NJ
• Best Chef/ Mid-Atlantic Semifinalist: Joe Romanowski, Bay Avenue Trattoria, Highlands, NJ

New Mexico:

Alas, there were no 2009 James Beard Award Finalists for this state, please see the list of JBA Semifinalists below:

• Best Chef/ Southwest Semifinalist: James Campbell Caruso, La Boca, Santa Fe, NM
• Best Chef/ Southwest Semifinalist: Eric DiStefano, Coyote Cafe, Santa Fe, NM
• Best Chef/ Southwest Semifinalist: Damon Simonton, Chef Damon’s, Taos, NM

New York:

Outstanding Chef Finalist: Dan Barber, Blue Hill, New York, NY

Outstanding Chef Finalist: Tom Colicchio, Craft, New York, NY

Outstanding Restaurant Finalist: Babbo, New York, NY

Outstanding Restaurant Finalist: Jean Georges, New York, NY

Best New Restaurant Finalist: Corton, New York, NY

Best New Restaurant Finalist: Momofuku Ko, New York, NY

Best New Restaurant Finalist: Scarpetta, New York, NY

Best Chef/ New York City Finalist: Michael Anthony, Gramercy Tavern

Best Chef/ New York City Finalist: Terrance Brennan, Picholine

Best Chef/ New York City Finalist: Wylie Dufresne, WD-50

Best Chef/ New York City Finalist: Gabrielle Hamilton, Prune

Best Chef/ New York City Finalist: Gabriel Kreuther, The Modern

• Rising Star Chef of the Year Semifinalist: Ryan Skeen, Irving Mill, NYC
• Best Chef/ New York City Semifinalist: April Bloomfield, The Spotted Pig
• Best Chef/ New York City Semifinalist: Floyd Cardoz, Tabla
• Best Chef/ New York City Semifinalist: Scott Conant, Scarpetta
• Best Chef/ New York City Semifinalist: Caroline Fidanza, Marlow & Sons
• Best Chef/ New York City Semifinalist: John Fraser, Dovetail
• Best Chef/ New York City Semifinalist: Alexandra Guarnaschelli, Butter Restaurant
• Best Chef/ New York City Semifinalist: Kurt Gutenbrunner, Wallsé
• Best Chef/ New York City Semifinalist: Mark Ladner, Del Posto
• Best Chef/ New York City Semifinalist: Anita Lo, Annisa
• Best Chef/ New York City Semifinalist: Michael Psilakis, Anthos
• Best Chef/ New York City Semifinalist: Bill Telepan, Telepan
• Best Chef/ New York City Semifinalist: Laurent Tourondel, BLT Market
• Best Chef/ New York City Semifinalist: Michael White, Alto
• Best Chef/ New York City Semifinalist: Naomichi Yasuda, Sushi Yasuda
• Best Chef/ New York City Semifinalist: Galen Zamarra, Mas Farmhouse
• Best Chef/ Northeast Semifinalist: Mike Andrzejewski, Sea Bar, Buffalo, NY
• Best Chef/ Northeast Semifinalist: Peter Xavier Kelly, Xaviar’s at Piermont, Piermont, NY
• Best Chef/ Northeast Semifinalist: Guy Reuge, Mirabelle, St. James, NY

North Carolina:

Best Chef/ Southeast Finalist: Bill Smith, Crook’s Corner, Chapel Hill, NC

• Outstanding Restaurant Semifinalist:Magnolia Grill, Durham, NC
• Best Chef/ Southeast Semifinalist: Mark Hibbs, Ratcliffe on the Green, Charlotte, NC
• Best Chef/ Southeast Semifinalist: Scott Howell, Nana’s, Durham, NC
• Best Chef/ Southeast Semifinalist: Bruce Moffett, Barrington’s Restaurant, Charlotte, NC
• Best Chef/ Southeast Semifinalist: Andrea Reusing, Lantern, Chapel Hill, NC
• Best Chef/ Southeast Semifinalist: Chip Smith, Bonne Soirée, Chapel Hill, NC

Ohio:

Best Chef/ Great Lakes Finalist: Michael Symon, Lola, Cleveland, OH

• Best Chef/ Great Lakes Semifinalist: Zack Bruell, Parallax, Cleveland, OH
• Best Chef/ Great Lakes Semifinalist: Jean-Robert de Cavel, Jean-Robert at Pigall’s, Cincinnati, OH

Oregon:

Rising Star Chef of the Year Finalist: Gabriel Rucker, Le Pigeon, Portland, OR

Best Chef/ Northwest Finalist: Cathy Whims, Nostrana, Portland, OR

• Outstanding Restaurant Semifinalist: Higgins Restaurant and Bar, Portland, OR
• Best Chef/ Northwest Semifinalist: Scott Dolich, Park Kitchen, Portland, OR
• Best Chef/ Northwest Semifinalist: John Gorham, Toro Bravo, Portland, OR
• Best Chef/ Northwest Semifinalist: Daniel Mondok, Sel Gris, Portland, OR
• Best Chef/ Northwest Semifinalist: Naomi Pomeroy, Beast, Portland, OR
• Best Chef/ Northwest Semifinalist: Andy Ricker, Pok Pok and Whiskey Soda Lounge, Portland, OR
• Best Chef/ Northwest Semifinalist: Charlene Rollins, New Sammy’s Cowboy Bistro, Talent, OR
• Best Chef/ Northwest Semifinalist: Gabriel Rucker, Le Pigeon, Portland, OR

Pennsylvania:

Rising Star Chef of the Year Finalist: Michael Solomonov, Zahav, Philadelphia, PA

Best Chef/ Mid-Atlantic Finalist: Jose Garces, Amada, Philadelphia, PA

• Outstanding Chef Semifinalist: Marc Vetri, Vetri, Philadelphia, PA
• Best New Restaurant Semifinalist: Distrito, Philadelphia, PA
• Best New Restaurant Semifinalist: Zahav, Philadelphia, PA
• Best New Restaurant Semifinalist: Richard Chen, Pittsburgh, PA
• Rising Star Chef of the Year Semifinalist: Sonja Finn, Dinette, Pittsburgh, PA
• Rising Star Chef of the Year Semifinalist: Jonathan McDonald, Pub & Kitchen, Philadelphia, PA
• Rising Star Chef of the Year Semifinalist: Dave Racicot, Lautrec at Nemacolin Woodlands Resort, Farmington, PA
• Rising Star Chef of the Year Semifinalist: Charles “Chip” Roman, Blackfish, Conshohocken, PA
• Best Chef/ Mid-Atlantic Semifinalist: Jim Burke, James, Philadelphia, PA
• Best Chef/ Mid-Atlantic Semifinalist: Douglass Dick, Bona Terra, Sharpsburg, PA
• Best Chef/ Mid-Atlantic Semifinalist: Charles “Chip” Roman, Blackfish, Conshohocken, PA
• Best Chef/ Mid-Atlantic Semifinalist: Michael Solomonov, Zahav, Philadelphia, PA
• Best Chef/ Mid-Atlantic Semifinalist: Marcie Turney, Bindi, Philadelphia, PA

Rhode Island:

Alas, there were no 2009 James Beard Award Finalists for this state, please see the list of JBA Semifinalists below:

• Best Chef/ Northeast Semifinalist: Bruce Tillinghast, New Rivers, Providence, RI
• Best Chef/ Northeast Semifinalist: Sai Viswanath, DeWolf Tavern, Bristol, RI

South Carolina:

Best Chef/ Southeast Finalist: Sean Brock, McCrady’s, Charleston, SC

Best Chef/ Southeast Finalist: Mike Lata, Fig, Charleston, SC

Best Chef/ Southeast Finalist: Bob Waggoner, Charleston Grill, Charleston, SC

• Best New Restaurant Semifinalist: Trattoria Lucca, Charleston, SC
• Rising Star Chef of the Year Semifinalist: Sean Brock, McCrady’s, Charleston, SC
• Rising Star Chef of the Year Semifinalist: Aaron Deal, Tristan, Charleston, SC
• Best Chef/ Southeast Semifinalist: Ken Vedrinski, Sienna, Daniel Island, SC

South Dakota:

Alas, there were no 2009 James Beard Award Finalists for this state, please see the list of JBA Semifinalists below:

• Best Chef/ Midwest Semifinalist: M.J. Adams, The Corn Exchange, Rapid City, SD

Tennessee:

Alas, there were no 2009 James Beard Award Finalists for this state, please see the list of JBA Semifinalists below:

• Rising Star Chef of the Year Semifinalist: Jackson Kramer, Interim Restaurant & Bar, Memphis, TN
• Best Chef/ Southeast Semifinalist: Daniel Lindley, St. John’s Restaurant, Chattanooga, TN
• Best Chef/ Southeast Semifinalist: Margot McCormack, Margot Café & Bar, Nashville, TN
• Best Chef/ Southeast Semifinalist: Tandy Wilson, City House, Nashville, TN

Texas:

Best Chef/ Southwest Finalist: Sharon A. Hage, York Street, Dallas, TX

Best Chef/ Southwest Finalist: Andrew Weissman, Le Rêve, San Antonio, TX

• Outstanding Chef Semifinalist: Stephan Pyles, Stephan Pyles, Dallas, TX
• Best New Restaurant Semifinalist: Feast, Houston, TX
• Best New Restaurant Semifinalist: Tei An, Dallas, TX
• Best Chef/ Southwest Semifinalist: Bryan Caswell, Reef, Houston, TX
• Best Chef/ Southwest Semifinalist: Tyson Cole, Uchi, Austin, TX
• Best Chef/ Southwest Semifinalist: Paul Petersen, Café Cenizo, Marathon, TX
• Best Chef/ Southwest Semifinalist: Armando Pomales, Café Central, El Paso, TX
• Best Chef/ Southwest Semifinalist: John Tesar, The Mansion Restaurant at Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek, Dallas, TX

Vermont:

Alas, there were no 2009 James Beard Award Finalists for this state, please see the list of JBA Semifinalists below:

• Best Chef/ Northeast Semifinalist: Lara Atkins and Steve Atkins, The Kitchen Table Bistro, Richmond, VT
• Best Chef/ Northeast Semifinalist: Eric Warnstedt, Hen of the Wood, Waterbury, VT

Virginia:

Best Chef/ Mid-Atlantic Finalist: Cathal Armstrong, Restaurant Eve, Alexandria, VA

• Best Chef/ Mid-Atlantic Semifinalist: Anthony Chittum, Vermilion, Alexandria, VA
• Best Chef/ Mid-Atlantic Semifinalist: Melissa Close, Palladio at Barboursville Vineyards, Barboursville, VA

Washington:

Best Chef/ Northwest Finalist: Maria Hines, Tilth, Seattle, WA

Best Chef/ Northwest Finalist: Joseba Jiménez de Jiménez, The Harvest Vine, Seattle, WA

Best Chef/ Northwest Finalist: Ethan Stowell, Union, Seattle, WA

Best Chef/ Northwest Semifinalist: Jason Wilson, Crush, Seattle, WA

• Outstanding Chef Semifinalist: Tamara Murphy, Brasa, Seattle, WA
• Best New Restaurant Semifinalist: Poppy, Seattle, WA
• Best New Restaurant Semifinalist: Spinasse, Seattle, WA
• Rising Star Chef of the Year Semifinalist: Rachel Yang, Joule, Seattle, WA
• Best Chef/ Northwest Semifinalist: Chris Ainsworth, Saffron Mediterranean Kitchen, Walla Walla, WA
• Best Chef/ Northwest Semifinalist: Kevin Davis, Steelhead Diner, Seattle, WA
• Best Chef/ Northwest Semifinalist: Matt Dillon, The Corson Building, Seattle, WA
• Best Chef/ Northwest Semifinalist: Renee Erickson, Boat Street Cafe, Seattle, WA
• Best Chef/ Northwest Semifinalist: Mark Fuller, Spring Hill, Seattle, WA
• Best Chef/ Northwest Semifinalist: Taichi Kitamura, Kappo, Seattle, WA
• Best Chef/ Northwest Semifinalist: Scott Staples, Restaurant Zoë, Seattle, WA

West Virginia:

Alas, there were no 2009 James Beard Award Finalists for this state, please see the list of JBA Semifinalists below:

• Best Chef/ Southeast Semifinalist: Damian Heath, Lot 12 Public House, Berkeley Springs, WV

Wisconsin:

Alas, there were no 2009 James Beard Award Finalists for this state, please see the list of JBA Semifinalists below:

• Outstanding Restaurant Semifinalist: Sanford, Milwaukee, WI
• Best Chef/ Midwest Semifinalist: Shinji Muramoto, Restaurant Muramoto, Madison, WI
• Best Chef/ Midwest Semifinalist: Derek Rowe, Harvest, Madison, WI
• Best Chef/ Midwest Semifinalist: Jim Webster, Wild Rice, Bayfield, WI
• Best Chef/ Midwest Semifinalist: Dominic Zumpano, Umami Moto, Milwaukee, WI

The Complete List of 2009 James Beard Award Finalists Are Here.

Please join us tomorrow to read our new article, Enjoy Some James Beard Award Winning Food Websites (and Nominees).

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