The James Beard Foundation has named 11 Maine semifinalists from Portland to Piscataquis County who made the cut to advance to the next round of the food world’s version of the Oscars.
Award semifinalists, announced Wednesday, include Krista Cole of Sur Lie in Portland and Gather in Yarmouth, in the Outstanding Restaurateur category.
Both Sur Lie and the Quarry, in the Piscataquis County town of Monson, were named semifinalists for Outstanding Hospitality. (Scroll down to see all semifinalists from Maine.)
The James Beard Foundation’s Restaurant and Chef Awards — established in 1990 and first awarded in 1991 — celebrate excellence in various categories. The 2023 semifinalists were named in 23 categories.
“Congratulations to all our 2023 James Beard Award Semifinalists. This is always an exhilarating moment as we kick off the Awards cycle and recognize the outstanding achievements of individuals and teams across the country,” said Clare Reichenbach, CEO of the James Beard Foundation. “After a year of fundamental changes, we look forward to building on the progress made, celebrating those paving a better future for us all — through their talent and craft, service to others, and commitment to a better, more sustainable industry.”
Nominees for this year’s awards will be announced on March 29, and winners will be unveiled and honored at an event in Chicago on June 5.
2023 semifinalists from Maine
Outstanding Restaurateur: Krista Cole, Sur Lie (Portland) and Gather (Yarmouth)
Best New Restaurant: Wolfpeach, Camden
Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker: Atsuko Fujimoto, Norimoto Bakery, Portland
Outstanding Hospitality: The Quarry, Monson, and Sur Lie, Portland
Outstanding Bar Program: The Jewel Box, Portland
Best Chef, Northeast: Sara Jenkins, Nina June, Rockport; Jason LaVerdiere, Flux, Lisbon Falls; Courtney Loreg, Woodford Food & Beverage, Portland; Tony Pastor, Fore Street, Portland; and Isaul Perez, Isa, Portland.
Find the full list of semifinalists here.