Solomonov, Vernick, Starr: Familiar foodie names on list of 2017 James Beard nominations
Philadelphia's notable finalist is Zahav, the modern Israeli restaurant in Society Hill Towers, which made the lists for chef (Michael Solomonov), service, and rising star chef of the year. Solomonov was a finalist last year and is the last Philadelphian to win the Mid-Atlantic chef category (in 2011). His cookbook Zahav was the Beard's cookbook of the year in 2016.
Familar Philadelphia names made the list of nominees for the 2017 James Beard Awards, to be handed out May 1.
Philadelphia's notable finalist is Zahav, the modern Israeli restaurant in Society Hill Towers, which made the lists for chef (Michael Solomonov) and service. Solomonov was a finalist last year and is the last Philadelphian to win the Mid-Atlantic chef category (in 2011). His cookbook Zahav was the Beard's cookbook of the year in 2016.
Zahav sous chef Camille Cogswell (right) also was nominated for rising star chef of the year.
For best chef in the Mid-Atlantic region, Rich Landau of Vedge/V Street/Wiz Kid and Greg Vernick of Vernick Food & Drink are finalists for the second consecutive year.
Stephen Starr of Starr Restaurants is a nominee again for restaurateur. His New York restaurant Le Coucou is a nominee for best new restaurant.
Sam Calagione, of Dogfish Head Craft Brewery, was nominated again for wine, spirits, or beer professional.
Here is the complete list of nominees.
See the list of semifinalists here.