Fullsteam Brewery

The James Beard Foundation released its 2018 Restaurant and Chef Award semifinalists this week, nominating everything from best up-and-coming chef to best restaurant.

While the Chapel Hill area does not possess the expansive restaurant scene that New York and Los Angeles have, the foundation still managed to find a few hidden gems in the local area.

In the category of Outstanding Wine, Beer, or Spirits Professional, Sean Lilly Wilson of Fullsteam Brewery in Durham was nominated. Wilson is the founder and Chief Executive Optimist of Fullsteam and has been previously nominated for this award.

For Rising Star Chef of the Year, Gabe Barker of Pizzeria Mercato in Carrboro was also nominated. Barker, who is the son of two James Beard-award-winning chefs, opened Pizzeria Mercato in 2015 after spending time out west in the restaurant business.

The foundation will trim down the list to the finalists on Wednesday, March 14, with the final awards gala taking place on Monday, May 7.