The prestigious James Beard Foundation has announced its Semifinalists for the 2009 James Beard Awards and there are lots of Philadelphia area nominees out there.

Marc Vetri is nominated for Outstanding Chef and his namesake restaurant is also under Best Service. Jonathan McDonald (Pub & Kitchen), Charles “Chip” Roman (Blackfish) and Michael Solomonov (Zahav) are up for Rising Star Chef of the Year and six chefs make the cut for Best Chef Mid-Atlantic

Complete Philadelphia area list after the jump.

Oustanding Restaurateur

• Stephen Starr, Starr Restaurant Organization

Outstanding Chef

• Marc Vetri, Vetri

Best New Restaurant

• Distrito
• Zahav

Rising Star Chef of the Year

• Jonathan McDonald, Pub & Kitchen
• Charles “Chip” Roman, Blackfish
• Michael Solomonov, Zahav

Outstanding Pastry Chef

• Kate Honeyman, Buddakan
• Frederick Ortega, Lacroix at the Rittenhouse

Wine Service

• Lacroix at the Rittenhouse

Outstanding Service

• Vetri

Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic

• Jim Burke, James
• Steve Cameron, Blue, Surf City, NJ and coming soon, Noble
  
• Michael DiBianca, Moro, Wilmington, DE
• Jose Garces, Amada
• Charles “Chip” Roman, Blackfish
• Michael Solomonov, Zahav
• Marci Turney, Bindi

Beard Awards Semifinalists Announced [Grub Street]
James Beard Foundation [Official Site]