Three Maine chefs and one Maine brewer are among the finalists for the 2016 James Beard Food Awards.
Chef Brian Hill of Camden’s Francine Bistro, as well as Mike Wiley and Andrew Taylor of Portland’s Eventide Oyster Co., are among the narrowed-down finalists for the best chefs in the Northeast category.
Allagash Brewing Company founder Rob Tod was among the five finalists for outstanding wine, beer or spirits professional.
This is the second year in a row that Wiley and Taylor have been nominated for the prestigious food award, and the seventh time Hill has been nominated, according to the Bangor Daily News.
“We are psyched,” said Taylor. “It’s gratifying to be nominated.”
Hill’s nomination was particularly pleasing for Taylor, who trained for a period at the Camden bistro.
“It’s amazing, I am so happy for Brian Hill,” Taylor told the BDN. “Francine is the first place I staged at and had a great time. I am thrilled.”
The 2016 James Beard Award ceremony will be held at the Lyric Opera in Chicago on Monday, May 2.
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