Congratulations all around.
Today, the James Beard Foundation announced the finalist for the 2015 awards. Charleston fared well: Sean Brock pulled in two nominations, for best American cookbook and outstanding chef; Jason Stanhope, of FIG, is up for Best Chef Southeast; McCrady's and FIG will compete for Outstanding Wine Program; author Nathalie Dupree is in the Who's Who Inductee list.
Here's a few reactions from the nominees:
Jason Stanhope: "I admire and respect my fellow nominees and it is remarkably humbling to see my name listed among my heroes. It's also validating to be included among such an incredible group of fellow chefs that I am lucky enough to call friends and enjoy cooking with. Our nominations at FIG are such a testament to the brand and philosophy that Mike Lata and Adam Nemirow have developed and fostered that we can remain relevant 12 years after opening in such a competitive market and region."
Nathalie Dupree: "... this is absolutely thrilling to me. This and my 'Grande Dame' award from Les Dames d’Escoffier are humbling and I hold them close to my heart."
Adam Nemirow, FIG: "On behalf of the entire team at FIG, we're humbled to be nominated again and are honored to be included among such a stellar group of restaurants. It's a great tip of the hat to Charleston to have two wine programs (FIG and McCrady's) represented out of five nominations, and after a year spent working side-by-side in a windowless room with Morgan Calcote on the wine program, it is incredible to be recognized by our peers. The wine program at FIG truly is a team effort: we do not have any sommeliers working the floor, and our wine service is in the hands of all servers and bartenders. We couldn't do it without the hard work, dedication and passion from our entire team, and we're remarkably proud to be part of such a dynamic group of nominee."
And here's all the tweets, complete with lots of !!!!!:
Honored, humbled and grateful for my amazing team and family
— Sean Brock (@hseanbrock) March 24, 2015
Excited as ever for the nominations! Congrats to our team, Chef @jasonstanhope, and all of the nominees! @hseanbrock @McCradys & more #jbfa
— FIG Restaurant (@figrestaurant) March 24, 2015
And congrats to @hseanbrock for his two @beardfoundation noms for Outstanding Chef and American Cookbook for Heritage @artisanbooks! #jbfa
— McCradys Restaurant (@McCradys) March 24, 2015
"@hseanbrock: @jasonstanhope congrats chef!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" You, too!! Best Tuesday ever.
— Jason Stanhope (@jasonstanhope) March 24, 2015