Austin is making its mark on this year's James Beard Awards. Often called "The Oscars of Food," a handful of restaurants, chefs and a brewery owner are on the list of semifinalists.
"It's kind of crazy," Kemuri Tatsu-ya owner and executive chef Tatsu Aikawa said. "People kill for these kinds of things."
"It came as a total shock to be nominated," Jeffrey Stuffings, owner of Jester King Brewery, said.
Here's a look at the semifinalists:
- Kemuri Tatsu-ya is up for "Best New Restaurant"
- Laura Sawicki of Launderette is up for "Outstanding Pastry Chef"
- Jeffrey Stuffings of Jester King Brewery is up for "Outstanding Wine, Beer, or Spirits Professional"
- Kevin Fink of Emmer & Rye, Michael Fojtasek of Olamaie and Bryce Gilmore of Barley Swine are up for "Best Chef: Southwest"
"I think Austin has been an incredibly food-engaged city for a long time," Chef Kevin Fink of Emmer & Rye said. "It's very common for us to have people fly down from New York or Atlanta or Chicago or L.A. to eat a meal here."
The finalists will be announced in mid March. The awards gala will take place the beginning of May.