The James Beard Foundation Awards announced the 2018 semi-finalists last week. On the list we saw a ton of familiar names, specifically names of guests we’ve had on our Food Republic Today podcast! Not only are these folks making some of the best food in the country, they also have fantastic podcast voices and interesting things to say. Check out these episodes featuring chefs Amanda Cohen, Evan Funke, Kate Williams, Michael Solomonov and others. Want more of the podcast? Check it out here and be sure to subscribe!

Alex Stupak of Empellón Midtown, NYC

Best New Restaurant, Best Chef: New York City

Evan Funke of Felix Trattoria, Venice, CA

Best New Restaurant

Kate Williams of Lady of the House, Detroit

Best New Restaurant

Fabio Trabocchi of Fiola, Washington, D.C.

Outstanding Chef

Michael Solomonov and Steve Cook of Zahav, Philadelphia

Outstanding Service

Amanda Cohen of Dirt Candy, NYC

Best Chef: New York City

Alex Raij of Txikito, NYC

Best Chef: New York City

Diego Galicia and Rico Torres, Mixtli, San Antonio

Best Chef: Southwest

Joshua Skenes, Saison, San Francisco

Best Chef: West