Charleston and Woodberry Kitchen Up for James Beard Awards

Local foodie fans can root for their home team with the announcement of the James Beard Awards 2015 semifinalists.

Foreman Wolf Restaurant Group's Charleston has two nominations, including a nomination for co-owner/executive chef Cindy Wolf in the category of Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic, and another for Outstanding Wine Program, which is directed by restaurant co-owner Tony Foreman.

"I am very excited and also proud that we are up for the national award for front of house service and also our wine program," weighs in Wolf, a four-time finalist for the award. "It means so much to me to be nominated and I am proud of all the staff—so many contribute!"

Foreman is equally aglow about the nomination. "It's nice to be recognized as one of the top wine programs in the country," says Foreman, whose program has been up for the award several times. "We try do something pretty concise. The evolution of the wine program at Charleston has got to be really interesting to someone who is paying attention to wine in our area."

We are equally filled with local pride over the Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic nod to owner-executive chef Spike Gjerde at Woodberry Kitchen.

Final restaurant and chef award nominees will be named at the James Beard House in New York City on March 24. The winners will be announced on May 4 at the Lyric Opera of Chicago.

Look for our upcoming "Best Restaurants" story in the March issue to read more about Charleston and Woodberry Kitchen, as well as an intimate interview with Cindy Wolf.