Seattle Chefs and Restaurants among James Beard Semifinalists

Semifinalists for the the 2009 James Beard Foundation Awards, Restaurant and Chef Awards have been named. Among the nominees are some of Seattle's finest:

Outstanding Restaurateur:
Tom Douglas - Dahlia Lounge, Palace, Kitchen, Etta's, Lola, Serious Pie & Dalhia Bakery

Outstanding Chef:
Tamara Murphy - Brasa

Best New Restaurant:
Poppy (although I have to disagree, there are MUCH better in Seattle)
Spinasse

Rising Star Chef of the Year:
Rachel Yang - Joule

Outstanding Pastry Chef:
James Miller - Cafe Besalu

Outstanding Wine Service:
Canlis

Outstanding Service:
Canlis

Best Chef Northwest:
Kevin Davis - Steelhead Diner
Matt Dillon - The Corson Bulding
Renee Erickson - Boat Street Cafe
Mark Fuller - Spring Hill
Maria Hines - Tilth
Joseba Jimenez de Jimenez - The Harvest Vine
Taichi Kitamura - Kappo
Scott Staples - Restaurnt Zoe
Ethan Stowell - Union
Jason Wilson - Crush