Taking aim at James Beard

The James Beard Foundation recently released its list of semifinalists for the 2009 James Beard Awards, giving the nominated restaurants and chefs a month to savor the accolades until the finalists are announced March 23 in New York City.

Winners will be crowned May 4 at a New York dinner.

Several Colorado chefs and restaurateurs learned they're in the running. Frank Bonanno, the executive chef-owner of Luca D'Italia, Mizuna, Osteria Marco and Bones, the tiny Asian noodle joint that opened in late December, is up for outstanding restaurateur. Yasmin Lozada-Hissom, of duo (and, soon, Olivea, opening in May in the former Aix space at 719 E. 17th Ave.), is vying for a top spot in the outstanding pastry chef category. Carbondale chef Mark Fischer (Restaurant Six89), Aspen chef Ryan Hardy (Montagna at the Little Nell), Vail toque Kelly Liken (Restaurant Kelly Liken) and Alex Seidel, the kitchen magician at Denver's Fruition, are all nominated in the best chef: Southwest category.

It's a notable list that does Colorado proud, but Dave Query (Lola, Jax Denver and Boulder, West End Tavern, Zolo Grill, Centro and Happy Noodle House) should have been a shoo-in for the outstanding restaurateur category. And the fact that Boulder's Frasca Food and Wine wasn't mentioned in any of the 19 categories, which also include outstanding chef, outstanding restaurant and outstanding wine service, is a curious (and disappointing) omission.

For a list of nationwide nominations, go to jamesbeard.org.