Chang, Bowien, Ansel Semifinalists for 2013 Beard Awards

Today, the James Beard Foundation announced the semifinalists for this year's restaurant and chef awards. The final nominees will be named on March 18 and will be streamed live on Eater National. Of note: Danny Bowien is a Rising Star Chef semifinalist along with Michael Toscano of Perla, David Chang and Andrew Carmellini are both semifinalists for Outstanding Chef, and Empellon Cocina and Thirty Acres are on the list in the Best New Restaurant category. Here, New York's standout semifinalist candidates:

Best New Restaurant: Empellon Cocina, Thirty Acres (in Jersey City)
Outstanding Bar Program: The Bar at The Nomad, Pegu Club
Outstanding Chef: Andrew Carmellini (Locanda Verde), David Chang (Momofuku Noodle Bar)
Outstanding Pastry Chef: Dominique Ansel (Dominique Ansel Bakery), Brooks Headley (Del Posto)
Outstanding Restaurant: Blue Hill, Jewel Bako,
Outstanding Restaurateur: Maguy Le Coze (Le Bernardin), Phil Suarez (ABC Kitchen, Jean Georges, etc.)
Outstanding Service: Del Posto
Rising Star Chef: Danny Bowien (Mission Chinese Food), Michael Toscano (Perla)

The awards will take place at a gala event on Monday, May 6 at Lincoln Center's Avery Fisher Hall.

The Full list, including the semifinalists for Best Chef NYC.>>