The list of semifinalists for the 2012 James Beard Foundation Awards is out - and several restaurants and chefs in Midtown have made the cut!
The James Beard Foundation Awards honor all aspects of the industry - from chefs and restaurateurs to cookbook authors and food journalists to restaurant designers and architects. It is the highest honor for food and beverage professionals in North America. The James Beard Foundation Awards are presented each spring at Avery Fisher Hall at Lincoln Center on Monday, May 7.
Here are the list of James Beard Foundation Awards semifinalists in Midtown:
Outstanding Pastry Chef
Bob Truitt, Ai Fiori
Already named one of the best Midtown restaurants by Adam Platt, it's time for executive pastry chef Bob Truitt to get some attention. Voted one of Desert Professional's Top 10 Pastry Chefs in America in 2010, Truitt oversees the entire pastry program for Altamarea Group's properties, consisting of a full staff of 21 pastry chefs.
Outstanding Service
Open since 1962, La Grenouille serves classic French cuisine and spontaneous creations in a glowing setting that many guests consider home. Sam Sifton called it "the last great French restaurant in New York," awarding it three stars in a 2009 review.
For the complete list of 2012 James Beard Foundation Awards semifinalists, visit the James Beard Foundation online.
Ai Fiori: 400 5th Ave., bet. 36th and 37th sts.
La Grenouille: 3 E. 52nd St., bet. 4th and 5th aves.
