On this week's episode, we've got some big news about the James Beard Awards. The semifinalists have been announced for this year's awards, and they include quite a few Wisconsin nominees.
Among the local finalists are:
- Outstanding Restaurateur - Joe Muench, Black Shoe Hospitality
- Outstanding Chef - Kyle Knall, Birch
- Outstanding Pastry Chef - Nicoal Blouin, Destination Kohler
- Outstanding Hospitality - Sanford
- Outstanding Wine Program - L'Etoile, Madison
- Outstanding Bar Program - Goodkind
That's on top of the semifinalists for Best Chef Midwest, which include Dane Baldwin of The Diplomat, Karen Bell of Bavette La Boucherie, Daniel Jacobs and Dan Van Rite of EsterEv and Gregory Leon of Amilinda.
The finalists will be announced March 16.
Zocalo will debut new mixologist program in March
We also have news about a mixologist program at Zocalo Food Park. Its Mixologist in Residence program will invite a different mixologist from around the city to create three cocktails each month. The first mixologist will be Brandon Reyes, a veteran of Bittercube and co-owner of the Heirloom liqueurs brand. His cocktails will be available in March.
Hear us talk about all of that and more on this week's episode, including a cool soul food diner that's happening Sunday and an update on Scardina Specialties, the Riverwest deli which is planning to move to a new location on Locust Street after its previous building was condemned.
