Tyson Cole, Bryce Gilmore, Launderette Among James Beard Awards Semifinalists

The James Beard Foundation's semifinalist list for this year’s awards was released today. Among the Austin chefs include Tyson Cole, who was nominated for Outstanding Chef. Previously, he was nominated for the Best Chef Southwest category four times, winning once in tie with Las Vegas' Saipin Chutima in 2011. Bryce Gilmore of Odd Duck and Barley Swine nabs a spot for the fourth time in the Best Chef Southwest category. He was a finalist last year, 2014, and 2013.

Launderette was nominated as Best New Restaurant, too. Also on the list are Laura Sawicki for Outstanding Pastry Chef, and Olamaie’s Grae Nonas for Rising Star of the Year for the second time in a row.

Aaron Franklin won the Southwest Best Chef award last year, presumably the first pitmaster to ever be nominated and win in that category. David Bull was also a semifinalist in the same category, and Olamaie for restaurant of the year.

The finalist list will be announced on Tuesday, March 15, with the awards ceremony held on May 2 in Chicago.