James Beard Award Semifinalists: Houston Version

Houston is all up in the James Beard Award semifinalist list, just released today, and here are the selections and their categories. The finalists will be announced next month.

For Best New Restaurant:
Indian "diner" concept by chef Anita Jaisinghani, Pondicheri.

Outstanding Bar Program:
The little bar that could, from Bobby F***ing Heugel and his talented crew of classic cocktail creators, Anvil Bar & Refuge.

Outstanding Pastry Chef:
Uchi's director of operations and pastry chef by trade, Philip Speer.

Rising Star Chef of the Year:
Hot chef in more than one way, Grant Gordon of Tony's.

Best Chef Southwest:
Anita Jaisinghani chef/owner of Indika & Pondicheri gets another big nomination.
Sushi chef extraodinaire, Manabu Horiuchi of Kata Robata.
Local legend Hugo Ortega of the equally legendary Hugo’s.

· James Beard Foundation Award Semifinalists [JBF Official Site]
· Complete List of JBF Award Semifinalists [Eater National]