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Nancy Yang

Top chefs: 12 Twin Citians among James Beard semifinalists

Chef Russell Klein of Meritage
Chef Russell Klein of Meritage in St. Paul. He's a James Beard Awards semifinalist for Best Chef: Midwest.
Courtesy of Meritage

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The Twin Cities restaurant scene is hot.

The James Beard Foundation on Wednesday announced semifinalists for its restaurant and chef awards. Twelve Minnesotans made the shortlist in three categories: Outstanding Baker, Outstanding Pastry Chef and Best Chef: Midwest.

The James Beard Awards are among the most prestigious in the food world. They recognize the best in food — from restaurants to cookbooks to writing and programming — across North America.

Finalists will be announced March 15; the awards gala will take place May 2.

The new West End Market
Michelle Gayer of the Salty Tart sells macaroons in the West End Market at the Minnesota State Fair Aug. 21, 2014. Gayer is a James Beard semifinalist for Outstanding Baker.
Jeffrey Thompson | MPR News 2014

Here are Minnesota's semifinalists, by category:

Outstanding Baker

• Michelle Gayer, Salty Tart, Minneapolis
• John Kraus, Patisserie 46, Minneapolis

Outstanding Pastry Chef

• Diane Yang, Spoon and Stable, Minneapolis

Best Chef: Midwest

• Paul Berglund, The Bachelor Farmer, Minneapolis
• Thomas Boemer, Corner Table, Minneapolis
• Mike Brown, Bob Gerken and James Winberg, Travail Kitchen & Amusements, Robbinsdale
• Jim Christiansen, Heyday, Minneapolis
• Jorge Guzman, Surly Brewing Co., Minneapolis
• Russell Klein, Meritage, St. Paul
• Lenny Russo, Heartland Restaurant & Farm Direct Market, St. Paul