Miami Racks Up James Beard Nods
Khong River, The Broken Shaker, and four local chefs made the awards semifinalist list.
February 20, 2013
Local haunts like Khong River House and The Broken Shaker scored spots on the James Beard Foundation’s 2013 awards semifinalist list, published this Tuesday afternoon. The list will be narrowed down again on March 18, and the winners get medaled in May. Here’s the full list of Miami chef and restaurant semifinalists, and a primer on their talent.
Outstanding Bar Program Semifinalist: The Broken Shaker
With their debut on the James Beard Awards semifinalist list, Bar Lab's Elad Zvi and Gabriel Orta live up, concretely, to the hype of their buzz-worthy pop-up-turned-permanent bar. When we chatted with Orta back in August, he hinted that The Shaker's return would be "a much-needed addition to the Miami cocktail scene." Clearly, he was right. 2727 Indian Creek Dr., Miami Beach, 305-531-2727; bar-lab.com
Best Chef, South Semifinalist: Jose Mendin
The man behind the meals at the Asian-inspired gastropub Pubbelly has been busy these days, recently opening successful sister restaurants PB Steak, PB Sushi, Barceloneta, and Macchialina. A Johnson & Wales grad, Medina worked in Chicago, Las Vegas, and Spain before settling back home in Miami. 1418 20th St., Miami Beach, 305-532-7555; pubbelly.com
Outstanding Pastry Chef Semifinalist: Hedy Goldsmith
The Design District is officially home to Miami's dessert darling. Goldsmith curates the sweet treats at Michael's Genuine Food & Drink in Miami and Grand Cayman and Harry’s Pizzeria, while also juggling regular television appearances and publicity for her book, Baking Out Loud: Fun Desserts with Big Flavors. Also, her lemon creamsicle pot de crème with buttermilk doughnuts will change your life. 130 N.E. 40th St., Miami, 305-573-5550; michaelsgenuine.com
Best New Restaurant Semifinalist: Khong River House
Khong River's authentic Northern Thai cuisine is up for the highest national nod at the James Beard Awards this year. Piyarat Potha Arreeratn, aka chef Bee, leads the culinary team at Khong, where regional specialties are served in a farmhouse-styled interior. And the restaurant, which is on the 50 Eggs Inc. roster, comes from good stock—50 Eggs is also the creative team behind Yardbird Southern Table & Bar. 1661 Meridian Ave., Miami Beach, 305-763-8147; khongriver.com
Best Chef, South Semifinalist: Jeff McInnis
From pretty-boy Top Chef contestant to hometown chef hero, McInnis opened Yardbird Southern Table & Bar in 2011, and the restaurant has not seen a calm moment since. Last year Yardbird was nominated for Best New Restaurant and McInnis earned his first nomination for Best Chef, South. We couldn’t be more thrilled to see him in the mix again this year. 1600 Lenox Ave., Miami Beach, 305-538-5220; runchickenrun.com
Rising Star of the Year Semifinalist: Giorgio Rapicavoli
From pop-up restaurant to permanent Miami staple, Rapicavoli has made his mark on Coral Gables with Eating House. His playful yet refined approach to food has made him a media darling (check him out on the Forbes "30 Under 30" list) and bona fide game changer at just 27-years-old. 804 Ponce de Leon, Coral Gables, 305-448-6524; eatinghousemiami.com
