It's hard to imagine topping the feeling of pride so many of us felt when Zahav took home the top prize for Outstanding Restaurant last year, but this year is off to a great start! A whopping 14 chefs and restaurants from the Philadelphia region have been recognized as Semi-Finalists! 

You can find the full list here. Best of luck to all the semi-finalists!

Best New Restaurant: Kalaya (Philadelphia)

Outstanding Baker: Tova du Plessis, Essen Bakery (Philadelphia)

Outstanding Bar Program: Horse Inn (Lancaster, PA)

Outstanding Chef: Marc Vetri, Vetri Cucina (Philadelphia)

Outstanding Restaurant: Bolete (Bethlehem, PA)

Outstanding Restaurateur: Cookie Till of Steve and Cookie’s, Ventnor No. 7311 (Margate, NJ)

Outstanding Wine Program: Le Caveau (Philadelphia)

Outstanding Wine, Beer or Spirits Producer: Jean Broillet IV, Tired Hands Brewing Company (Ardmore, PA)

Rising Star Chef of the Year: Jesse Ito, Royal Izakaya, (Philadelphia)

Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic (DC, DE, MD, NJ, PA, VA):
Joey Baldino, Zeppoli (Collingswood, NJ)
Nicholas Elmi, Laurel, (Philadelphia)
Rich Landau, Vedge, (Philadelphia)
Cristina Martinez, South Philly Barbacoa (Philadelphia)
Taylor Mason, Luca (Lancaster, PA)

Stay tuned on March 25th when they announce the 5 finalists for each category right here in Philly at an event at the Barnes Museum. Winners will be announced in Chicago on May 4th. Find more details here.

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