Atlanta finalists come up short at James Beard Foundation Awards

ajc.com

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The three Atlanta finalists in the running for James Beard Foundation Awards Monday night in Chicago went home empty-handed.

Atlanta restaurant Staplehouse, helmed by Chef Ryan Smith,  was up for Best New Restaurant. The Old Fourth Ward spot has received accolades since opening in 2015, including a three star review from AJC food and dining editor Ligaya Figueras.

Miller Union chef Steven Satterfield  and Gunshow and Revival chef Kevin Gillespie were both finalists in the Best Chef: Southeast category.

It was Satterfield's fourth year being a finalist in the category. His book first cookbook "Root to Leaf" was a finalist in the photography category , but lost out to "Near & Far: Recipes Inspired by Home and Travel" by Heidi Swanson. Satterfield's book was also nominated for a Julia Child First Book Award from the International Association of Culinary Professionals .

( He also garnered honors earlier this month when his cookbook "Root to Leaf" was nominated for a Julia Child First Book Award from the International Association of Culinary Professionals .)

Gillespie was a finalist in the category for the first time. He was also a finalist for a James Beard Award in 2013 in the Cookbook: American Cooking category for his debut cookbook, "Fire in my Belly."

In addition, Charleston chef  Sean Brock, who opened his first Atlanta restaurant with Minero in Ponce City Market last fall , was named a finalist in the Outstanding Chef category.

Jonathan Waxman, who opened Brezza Cucina at Ponce City Market last year, won Best Chef: New York City.

Atlantans fared better at last week's James Beard Foundation Book, Broadcast and Journalism Awards. AJC writer Wendell Brock and Atlanta chef and cookbook author Virginia Willis won in their respective categories at the James Beard Foundation Book, Broadcast and Journalism Awards.

For a complete list of the 2016 James Beard Foundation award finalists, click here .

More on Staplehouse:

More on Kevin Gillespie, Revival and Gunshow:

More on Steven Satterfield and Miller Union: