Curiocity: MN Restaurants, Chefs Named James Beard Semifinalists

We've all known the kind of stellar restaurants and chefs we've been blessed with here in the Twin Cities. But as the semifinalist list for the 2013 James Beard Awards prove, the rest of the country is taking notice.

Twin Cities restaurants and chefs are represented in nine categories, including several under the umbrella of Best Chef: Midwest.

Here's the full list of Twin Cities restaurants and chefs:

Best New Restaurant
Butcher & the Boar

Outstanding Bar Program
Marvel Bar

Outstanding Pastry Chef
Steve Horton, Rustica Bakery

Outstanding Chef
Tim McKee, La Belle Vie

Outstanding Restaurant
Lucia's

Outstanding Restaurateur
Kim Bartmann of Barbette, Bryant-Lake Bowl, Red Stag Supperclub, Pat's Tap, Tiny Diner

Outstanding Service
Sapor Cafe and Bar

Outstanding Wine, Spirits or Beer Professional
Eric Seed, Haus Alpenz, Edina

Rising Star Chef of the Year
Jamie Malone, Sea Change

Best Chef: Midwest
Doug Flicker, Piccolo
Steven Brown, Tilia
Michelle Gayer, Salty Tart
Mike DeCamp, La Belle Vie
Jack Riebel, Butcher & the Boar
Lenny Russo, Heartland Restaurant & Farm Direct Market
Sameh Wadi, Saffron Restaurant & Lounge
James Winberg, Mike Brown, and Bob Gerken, Travail Kitchen and Amusements

The James Beard Award nominees will be announced on March 18. The full list of semifinalists can be found here.