By Jeff Hamlin
WCHL Reporter

The James Beard Foundation honors the top names and restaurants in the food industry annually, and two local names are included as semifinalists in the category of Best Chefs in the Southeast.

One of them is Bill Smith of Crooks’ Corner.

Along with Smith, Andrea Reusing of Lantern in Chapel Hill was also a semifinalist. The James Beard Awards are the most prestigious recognition program honoring the food and beverage industries in America.

In addition, Crooks’ Corner was nominated for Outstanding Restaurant. Having made the culinary field his livelihood for 30 years,

Smith says the nomination is gratifying for himself and his peers.

The finalists for the Beard Foundation Awards will be announced on March 22nd at the Palace Café in New Orleans’ French Quarter. The winners will be honored at a ceremony and reception in New York City on May 3rd.