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6 Washington bars and restaurants on the 2023 James Beard semifinalist list

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Six bars and restaurants in Washington state have made it onto James Beard's 2023 Restaurant and Chef Awards semifinalists. Five of them are in Seattle. And that's just for starters. Washington's culinary artists are also represented on the list of outstanding restaurateurs and best chefs in the region.

The nominations for local eateries include:

  • Outstanding chef: Renee Erickson, of The Walrus and the Carpenter
  • Emerging chef: Kevin Smith of Beast & Cleaver
  • Outstanding restaurant: Copine
  • Outstanding Bar: Rob Roy
  • Outstanding Hospitality: Nominees include Lark, in Seattle, and the Black Cypress, in Pullman.

The Pham family, owners of Phở Bắc Sup Shop, Phởcific Standard Time, and The Boat have also been nominated for "outstanding restaurateur."

Five Washington chefs are in the running for Best Chef: Northwest and Pacific. The category covers Alaska, Hawaii, Oregon, and Washington. Out of the 20 chefs in the running, four are from Seattle. The list includes:

  • Tony Brown, Ruins, Spokane, WA
  • Melissa Miranda, Musang, Seattle, WA
  • David Nichols, Eight Row, Seattle, WA
  • Mutsuko Soma, Kamonegi, Seattle, WA
  • Aaron Verzosa, Archipelago, Seattle, WA

The James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards Ceremony is June 5 in Chicago.

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