The 2013 James Beard Awards Semifinalists have been announced and nineteen local chefs, restaurants and beer professionals have made the list. Vernick Food & Drink leads the way with a nomination for Best New Restaurant. Marc Vetri gets a nod for Outstanding Chef and his Vetri restaurant gets a nod for Best Service. Also in the Vetri solar system, Amis’ Brad Spence is nominated for Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic.

The coolest nomination might be for Andre Chin and Amanda Eap of East Passyunk’s Artisan Boulanger Patissier  who were nominated for Outstanding Pastry Chef. Artisan Boulanger has been open more than sixteen years at the corner of 12th and Morris Streets. 

Also worth noting that East Passyunk has garnered some serious nominations, four in total. That’s more than than some serious food towns.

2013 James Beard foundation Award nominees will be announced on Monday, March 18th.

James Beard 2013 Semifinalists (PDF)
James Beard Foundation [Official Site]