6 Philly establishments, chefs nominated for James Beard Awards

The national James Beard Award nominations were announced Wednesday, and Philadelphia was on the shortlist representing culinary excellence, vying for this award known as the Oscars of food awards.
Photo credit Hadas Kuznits/KYW Newsradio
PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — The national James Beard Award nominations were announced Wednesday, and Philadelphia was on the shortlist representing culinary excellence, vying for this award known as the Oscars of food awards. 

Cristina Martinez of South Philly Barbacoa had a genuine reaction when she learned she was nominated for a James Beard award in the category of best chef: Mid-Atlantic.

"Excited, happy, really surprised. Thank you so much," Martinez said. 

The @beardfoundation nominees are out! #Philly made the short list 6x. Watch chef Martinez learn she’s included! @KYWNewsradio @visitphilly pic.twitter.com/thToSdmjNB

— Hadas Kuznits (@hadaskuznits) March 27, 2019

Philadelphia's vegan chef Rich Landau was also nominated in that category. 

Also representing Philadelphia is Ellen Yin for outstanding restaurateur, Marc Vetri for outstanding chef and Jesse Ito for rising star chef. 

The city's popular Israeli restaurant Zahav also made the list for outstanding restaurant. 

Related

The James Beard Gala Awards take place May 6 in Chicago.