Yasmin Lozada-Hissom, Jeff Osaka Among the Semi Finalists for James Beard Foundation Awards

This morning, for the first time ever, the James Beard Foundation streamed the announcement of this year's Restaurant and Chef Awards semi-finalists live from Orlando, Florida. From this "long list" of semifinalists, a list of finalists will be announced on March 18; then the awards ceremony will take place in May in New York City's Lincoln Center, as it has in years past. The James Beard Awards are the highest honor for food and beverage professionals in America. Colorado scored its fare share of nominations. Here they are:

· Rising Star: Jorel Pierce, Euclid Hall
· Outstanding Pastry Chef: Yasmin Lozada-Hissom, Spuntino
· Outstanding Restaurateur: Frank Bonanno, Bonanno Concepts
· Outstanding Wine Program: The Little Nell, Aspen
· Outstanding Bar Program: Williams & Graham
· Best Chef Southwest: Jeff Osaka, Twelve
· Best Chef Southwest: Alex Seidel, Fruition

· Chef Jennifer Jasinski and Frasca Bring James Beard Awards Home [EDen]
· Frasca and Chef Jennifer Jasinski Named Finalists for the James Beard Awards [EDen]
· Master Sommelier Carlton McCoy Named Wine Director at Aspen's the Little Nell [EDen]
· Getting to Know New Top Chef Contender Jorel Pierce [EDen]