These are Colorado's 13 James Beard semifinalists

The James Beard Foundation revealed more than a dozen Colorado restaurants and chefs Wednesday as 2022 Restaurant and Chef Awards semifinalists.

Why it matters: A James Beard nomination is equivalent to an Oscar nod in the food world, and a win can catapult a chef's career or restaurant's popularity to new heights.

• Nominees are among the nation's most exceptional talent in the culinary industry and also the most committed to racial and gender equity, inclusivity and sustainability.

Details: From best new restaurants to outstanding chefs, 13 eateries and restaurateurs in the Centennial State earned nods this year.

• Outstanding restaurateur: Edwin Zoe, Zoe Ma Ma (Denver) and Chimera Ramen (Boulder)
• Outstanding chef: Josh Niernberg, Bin 707 Foodbar (Grand Junction)
• Emerging chef: Manuel "Manny" Barella, Bellota (Denver)
• Outstanding hospitality: Spuntino (Denver)
• Best new restaurant: Casian Seafood (Lafayette)
• Outstanding wine program: The Little Nell (Aspen)
• Best chef — Mountain (CO, ID, MT, UT): Caroline Glover, Annette (Aurora); Mawa McQueen, Mawa's Kitchen (Aspen); Eric Skokan, Black Cat Farm Table Bistro (Boulder); Luis Young, Penrose Room (Colorado Springs); Jose Avila, El Borrego Negro (Denver); Cody Cheetham, Tavernetta (Denver); Dana Rodriguez, Work & Class (Denver)

What's next: Winners will be celebrated at the James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards ceremony on June 13 at the Lyric Opera of Chicago.

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