The semifinalists for the 2017 James Beard Awards have been announced, and Madison has garnered its first-ever nomination in the category of outstanding restaurant. And yes, it is L’Etoile.
Also earning a nomination, Jonny Hunter of Forequarter and Dan Fox of Heritage Tavern are up for best chef: Midwest.
Madison chefs also made a nice showing last year, when L’Etoile chef Tory Miller was nominated as best chef. In addition, Francesco Mangano of Osteria Papavero was nominated for best chef: Midwest, in addition to Hunter and Fox.
L’Etoile was also nominated in 2013 for outstanding wine program. Miller won best chef: Midwest in 2012, and as such, he’s ineligible to win that award again.
In the category of outstanding restaurant, L’Etoile will be up against such well-known names as the Spotted Pig and Momofuku Noodle Bar (New York City), Topolobampo (Chicago), L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon (Las Vegas) and Jaleo (Washington, D.C.).
The 2017 James Beard Awards will take place at the Lyric Opera of Chicago on May 1.
