Eli Kulp among semifinalists for Beard Awards
Chef Eli Kulp, injured in last May's Amtrak crash, is among the Philadelphia semifinalists for the James Beard Foundation's 2016 awards.
The foundation released its so-called "long list" of semifinalists on Wednesday, Jan. 17. The list will be winnowed further, as finalists will be announced March 15. Winners will be announced May 2.
Kulp is one of 20 semifinalists for the best chef, Mid-Atlantic prize. He was nominated by way of Fork restaurant, which also was on the list of semifinalists for best restaurant.
Kulp and partners have a share in Fork, High Street on Market, and a.kitchen/a.bar. They opened High Street on Hudson, a branch, in New York City recently.
Also from the greater Philadelphia area, the following chefs were semifinalists for best chef, Mid-Atlantic:
Scott Anderson, Elements, Princeton, NJ
Joey Baldino, Zeppoli, Collingswood, NJ
Hari Cameron, a(MUSE.), Rehoboth Beach, DE
Joe Cicala, Le Virtù, Philadelphia
Rich Landau, Vedge, Philadelphia
Konstantinos Pitsillides, Kanella South, Philadelphia
Greg Vernick, Vernick Food & Drink, Philadelphia
Alex Bois, the baker from High Street on Market, is a semifinalist for rising star chef of the year.
No Philadelphia restaurant made the best new restaurant.
Also on the semifinalist list:
Michael Solomonov of Zahav and Marc Vetri of Vetri for outstanding chef
Zahav is on the list for outstanding service
Kate Jacoby of Vedge for outstanding pastry chef
Stephen Starr for outstanding restaurateur.
Andre Chin and Amanda Eap, Artisan Boulanger Patissier, for outstanding baker
The Olde Bar in Old City and Tired Hands Fermentaria in Ardmore for outstanding bar program
Sam Calagione of Dogfish Head Craft Brewery is on the list for outstanding wine, spirits, or beer professional
Justin Smillie of New York City's Upland, owned by Starr Restaurant Organization, is up for best chef, New York