Tosi, White, Torrisi Semifinalists for 2011 Beard Awards

Today, the James Beard Foundation announces the semifinalists for this year's restaurant and chef awards. The final nominees will be announced on March 21, over Twitter of course. Of note: there are no nominees for Outstanding Chef in New York, and Lincoln, a major newcomer in 2010, is nowhere on this list. Meanwhile Christina Tosi, Momofuku Milk Bar matriarch, was placed in the Rising Star Chef category and was not relegated to the pastry section. Where in many years New York dominates the lists (and sometimes sweeps the big awards), the city seems almost underrepresented this year. Still, we have some very excellent candidates:

Best New Restaurant: ABC Kitchen, Recette, Torrisi Italian Specialties

Outstanding Chef: NO New York semifinalists

Outstanding Pastry Chef: Shuna Lydon (Peels), Angela Pinkerton (Eleven Madison Park)

Outstanding Restaurant: Blue Hill, Eleven Madison Park

Outstanding Restaurateur: Bruce Bromberg and Eric Bromberg (Blue Ribbon Restaurants), Richard Sandoval (Zengo), Stephen Starr (Morimoto, Buddakan and more), Phil Suarez (ABC Kitchen, Matsugen, Spice Market, Jean Georges, and many more). Also Steve Ells of Chipotle is on this list.

Outstanding Service: La Grenouille, Per Se

Outstanding Wine Service: The Modern

Outstanding Wine and Spirits Professional: Paul Grieco (Hearth and Terroir), Garrett Oliver, (Brooklyn Brewery), Julie Reiner (Clover Club and Flatiron Lounge), David Wondrich

Rising Star Chef of the Year: Jesse Schenker (Recette), Michael Toscano, (Manzo), Christina Tosi (Momofuku Milk Bar)

Best Chef: New York City:
Michael Anthony, Gramercy Tavern

April Bloomfield, The Spotted Pig

Saul Bolton, Saul

Marco Canora, Hearth

Scott Conant, Scarpetta

Polo Dobkin, Dressler

Wylie Dufresne, wd~50

Gabrielle Hamilton, Prune

Sara Jenkins, Porchetta

Craig Koketsu, Park Avenue

Sotohiro Kosugi, Soto

Mark Ladner, Del Posto

Paul Liebrandt, Corton

Anita Lo, Annisa

George Mendes, Aldea

Missy Robbins, A Voce

Masa Takayama, Masa

Bill Telepan, Telepan

Michael White, Marea

Galen Zamarra, Mas (farmhouse)
· Awards Watch: 2011 Restaurant and Chef Awards Semifinalists [Official Site]
· All Coverage of the James Beard Awards [~ENY~]