Atlanta chefs, restaurants among 2016 James Beard finalists

Fourteen Atlanta chefs and restaurants were named semifinalists earlier this year for a coveted James Beard Foundation Award, considered one of the highest honors for culinarians in the U.S. That list was whittled down Tuesday when the foundation released the names of finalists for its 2016 awards.

Among Atlanta chefs still contending for the title of best chef: Southeast are Steven Satterfield of Miller Union and Kevin Gillespie of Gunshow and Revival.

This is Satterfield’s fourth year in a row as a nominee in this category; last year, Satterfield was the only Atlanta chef who figured among chef and restaurant finalists.

Satterfield also saw his first cookbook, “Root to Leaf,” named a finalist in the photography category for a 2016 James Beard Foundation Book, Broadcast & Journalism Award. (Satterfield also garnered honors earlier this month when “Root to Leaf” was nominated for a Julia Child First Book Award from the International Association of Culinary Professionals.)

Still vying for a national culinary award is Staplehouse, finalist in the best new restaurant category. This past January, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution awarded the restaurant three stars.

In addition, 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.