The latest from the James Beard Foundation is that chefs Bill Smith and Andrea Reusing have been nominated for Best Chef in the Southeast.
This is Smith's second time as a finalist and Reusing's first. The James Beard awards are often described as the Oscars of the food world, giving out awards for restaurants, chefs, wine service, cookbooks and food journalism.
"Yikes!" said Smith when reached at home and told the news. "I'm thrilled, of course."
Smith will attend the James Beard gala May 3 in New York City. Like last year, he plans to bring his sisters with him again. Last year, two of his three sister went with him. He hopes to get all three to go this time.
Reusing couldn't be reached immediately for comment.
Smith is the chef at Crook's Corner in Chapel Hill, and Reusing is the chef/owner at Lantern.
These are the only finalists from North Carolina.
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