The nominations for the so-called "Oscars of the food world" are out, and two Durham-based chefs are among those selected as semifinalists for this year's James Beard Awards.
Ben and Karen Barker's gourmet standout Magnolia Grill on Ninth St. is nominated in the Outstanding Restaurant overall award category. Almost half of the twenty nominees hail from New York, D.C., Chicago or San Francisco; Durham is the smallest burgh to have a hat in this ring, and one of just four overall in the south.
Nana's Scott Howell received a nomination in the Best Chef - Southeast category, joining chefs from three of Chapel Hill's top establishments (Lantern, Bonne Soiree, and Crook's Corner.) No other Triangle restaurants made the cut.
The Barkers have each won past awards (outstanding chef in the Southeast and outstanding pastry chef) over the past decade.
The semifinalists will be narrowed to finalists on March 23 ahead of the May 4 awards.
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