Charleston restaurants, restaurateurs among James Beard semifinalists

The list of James Beard semifinalists is out – and six Charleston restaurants and restaurateurs are among those to make the cut this year.

For those who aren’t familiar with the James Beard Awards, it’s essentially the food + bev industry’s equivalent of the Oscars. In other words, it’s a pretty big deal.

Here are the local semifinalists:

Outstanding Restaurateur:

○ Steve Palmer of The Indigo Road (Indaco, The Macintosh, O-ku)

Outstanding Wine, Spirits, or Beer Producer:

○ Scott Blackwell and Ann Marshall of High Wire Distilling Co.

Best Chef – Southeast (GA, KY, NC, SC, TN, WV):

○ Kevin Johnson of The Grocery

○ Shamil Velazquez of Delaney Oyster House

Outstanding Hospitality:

○ Leon’s Fine Poultry & Oyster Shop

Outstanding Restaurant:

○ FIG

Here is a look at all of this year’s semifinalists. Finalists in each of these categories will be announced on March 25. Winners will be revealed at the James Beard Awards Gala on Monday, May 4 in Chicago.