JBF Announces 2012 Restaurant and Chef Semifinalists, Lots of Philly on the List

This morning the James Beard Foundation announced the semifinalists in the 2012 Restaurant and Chef Awards — the finalists will be announced on March 19 in Las Vegas and livestreamed right here on Eater. This is the "long list" before the list is winnowed down to the official finalists.

Locally, we've got quite a few shiny spots and cooks that make the list, including: Zeppoli, Tashan, and Farm and Fisherman for Best New Restaurant; The Standard Tap and Franklin Mortgage & Investment Co. for Best Bar Program; Jessie Prawlucki of Belle Cakery/Fond for Outstanding Pastry Chef; Vetri for Outstanding Restaurant and Outstanding Service; Fountain at The Four Seasons for Outstanding Service; Stephen Starr for Outstanding Restaurateur; Tria for Outstanding Wine Program; Sam Calagione of Dogfish Head for Outstanding Wine and Spirits Professional; Joe Cicala of Le Virtu, Lee Styer of Fond, and JD Morton of Domaine Hudson (Wilmington, DE) for Rising Star; David Gilberg of Koo Zee Doo, Pierre Calmels of Bibou, Konstantinos Pitsillides of Kanella, Chip Roman of Mica, and Marcie Turney of Barbuzzo for Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic.

Wowzers. Great work, Philly.

· Awards Watch: The 2012 Restaurant and Chef Awards [JBF]