They always say, "Good things come to those who wait." But here at Samuels, we hold the firm belief that it takes hard work, feverish dedication, and unending passion in order to be successful. It is with great joy that we acknowledge all of our extremely talented customers who were announced as James Beard Award semi-finalist nominees as well as Parc Restaurant for hosting the big shebang and to Osteria for hosting the dinner! Again, from all of us at Samuels, congratulations!
Best New Restaurants: Del Mar (Washington DC), Empellon (Midtown NYC), Maydan (Washington DC).
Outstanding Chefs: Vikram Sunderam, Rasika (Washington DC), Fabio Trabocchi, Fiola (Washington DC).
Outstanding Restaurants: Jaleo (Washington DC), Komi (Washington DC), Legume Bistro (Pittsburgh PA), Talula's Table (Kennett Square PA).
Outstanding Restauranteurs: Ashok Bajaj, Knightsbridge Restaurant Group (Washington DC), Rick DeShantz and Tolga Sevdik, Richard DeShantz Restaurant Group (Pittsburgh PA), Ellen Yin, High Street Hospitality Group (Philadelphia PA).
Outstanding Service: Marcel's by Robert Wiedmaier (Washington DC), Zahav (Philadelphia PA).
Rising Star Chefs of the Year: Camille Cogswell, Zahav (Philadelphia PA), Jesse Ito, Royal Izakaya (Philadelphia PA), Kevin Tien, Himitsu (Washington DC).
Best Chefs (Mid-Atlantic): Joey Baldino, Zeppoli (Collingswood NJ), Amy Brandwein, Centrolina (Washington DC), Tony Conte, Inferno Pizzeria Napoletana (Darnestown MD), Tom Cunanan, Bad Saint (Washington DC), Nicholas Elmi, Laurel (Philadelphia PA), Cedric Cindy Wolf, Charleston (Baltimore MD).
Best Chefs (New York City): Justin Smillie (Upland), Alex Stupak (Empellón - Midtown).