The list of semifinalists for the 2012 James Beard Foundation Awards is out - and several restaurants and chefs on the Upper West Side 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 Upper West Side semifinalists for the 2012 James Beard Foundation Awards:
Outstanding Pastry Chef
Ghaya Oliveira, Boulud Sud
When she began her role at Boulud Sud, Oliveira was tasked with creating a menu featuring the cuisine of every country that touches the Mediterranean - no easy task. But the extremely talented pastry chef not only succeeded, she took desserts as we knew them to a whole new level.
Outstanding Service
The New York Times gave Picholine a prestigious three-star rating, but it's the service that the James Beard Foundation is giving attention to. Overall, Picholine has received two stars in the 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011 editions of the Michelin Guide.
For the complete list of 2012 James Beard Award semifinalists, visit the James Beard Foundation online.
Boulud Sud: 20 W. 64th St. bet, Broadway and Central Park West
Picholine: 35 W. 64th St., bet. Broadway and Central Park West
