The list of semifinalists for the 2012 James Beard Foundation Awards is out - and several West Village and Greenwich Village restaurants and chefs have made the cut! Home of the James Beard Foundation, it's only fitting.
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 West Village and Greenwich Village semifinalists for the 2012 James Bear Foundation Awards:
Best New Restaurant
Tremont is named after a small suburban community on the edge of Cleveland, Ohio. Chef Tim Bando is serving up old-fashioned, country-style fare with a touch of Hamptons thrown into the decor. Adam Platt awarded Tremont one star last year.
Outstanding Restaurant
Hidden below street level in a landmark speakeasy off Washington Square Park, Blue Hill sets its focus on locally sourced ingredients from nearby farms. Guest can enjoy the regular menu, as well as the "Farmer's Feast," a five-course tasting menu inspired by the week's harvest.
Rising Star Chef of the Year
Jesse Schenker, Recette
Recette is an urban American restaurant that marries traditional and progressive techniques and flavors. As a kid growing up in Florida, Jesse Schenker chose to collect cookbooks over action figures, a decision which has since paid off. In the past, Schenker has worked in some of New York's most illustrious kitchens, including Le Bernardin and Per Se. He opened Recette in January of 2010.
Best Chef: NYC
April Bloomfield, The Spotted Pig
Serving up seasonal British and Italian fare using local ingredients whenever possible, April Bloomfield opened The Spotted Pig in February 2004 as New York's first gastro-pub, and it has held a Michelin Star each year since. Bloomfield has come a long way since deciding to give cooking "a go" instead of become a police officer.
For a complete list of the 2012 James Beard Foundation Awards Semifinalists, visit the James Beard Foundation online.
Tremont: 51 Bank St. at W. 4th St.
Blue Hill: 75 Washington Pl., between Washington Sq. Park & 6th Ave.
Recette: 328 W. 12 St. at Greenwich St.
The Spotted Pig: 314 W. 11th St., at Greenwich St.
