James Beard Awards snub Tampa
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James Beard award scouts have completely overlooked Tampa Bay, a region rich in culinary talent and interesting food.
Driving the news: The semifinalists for the annual James Beard Awards, the signature celebration of the best American cuisine and chefs, were announced yesterday.
Flashback: It felt like we were having a dining moment in the past decade, didn't it?
- Greg Baker of The Refinery was nominated a slew of times starting in 2012. Chad Johnson at SideBern's earned two noms. Then there's Jeanne Pierola of Edison, Ferrell Alvarez of Rooster & the Till, Rachel Bennett of The Library.
- Hotbed? Evidently not. Not like Asheville, or Tucson, or Atlanta, which can all be found multiple times on this year's list of semifinalists. Smdh.
The intrigue: Some have alleged there's an anti-Florida bias among judges, who love to hate on the Sunshine State.
Yes, but: This year's semifinalists include chefs and restaurants from Florida cities like Orlando (3), Miami (3), Doral and Coral Gables, but not Tampa Bay.
Insight: Jim Webster, a cookbook author and former Beard voter, blamed geography and said a lot of overlooked cities have a right to complain.
- "It certainly is beneficial to be located in a place where there is a concentration of destinations," he told us.
What's next: Baker said the Michelin guide, which comes out in the spring and will feature Tampa for the first time, could give the local scene more attention.