The James Beard Foundation — an organization that recognizes and celebrates exceptional talent in the culinary arts, hospitality, and food systems — released its 2023 Restaurant and Chef Semifinalists. Across 23 categories, Columbia, SC popped up under three of them.

The list of semifinalists — broken up by individual categories — will be narrowed down to a much shorter list on Wednesday, March 29, followed by the announcement of winners on Monday, June 5.

In the meantime, get to know our local nominees:

Outstanding Restaurateur

In this case, it's restaurateur(s) — Aaron Hoskins, Sarah Simmons, Nicole Storey, and Elie Yigo from City Grit Hospitality Group. Think: SmallSUGAR, CITY GRIT, and Il Focolare Pizzeria.

Best Chef: Southeast (GA, KY, NC, SC, TN, WV)

Jessica Shillato, Spotted Salamander

Outstanding Hospitality

Lula Drake