Virginia chefs, restaurants receive national honors

Published February 27, 2019 by Robert Powell, III

Virginia restaurants and chefs have been named semifinalists in the James Beard Awards.

The James Beard Foundation, which annually recognizes the best restaurants and chefs in the U.S., released its first list in the awards process on Wednesday.

The semifinalist list will be culled to a group of finalists on March 27, and the award winners will be announced on May 6 in Chicago.

Six people and two restaurants in Virginia were among those making the first cut in five categories. They are:

Outstanding baker

Evrim Dogu and Evin Dogu, Sub Rosa Bakery, Richmond

Outstanding service

Mama J’s, Richmond

Peking Gourmet Inn, Falls Church

Outstanding Wine, Spirits, or Beer Producer

An Bui, Mekong and The Answer Brewpub, Richmond

Rutger de Vink, RdV Vineyards, Delaplane

Rising Star Chef of the Year

Ian Redshaw, Lampo Neapolitan Pizzeria, Charlottesville

Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic

Sandeep “Sunny” Baweja, Lehja, Richmond