James Beard names finalists for region's best chefs. How Indy-area chefs fared

Indianapolis-area chefs are out of the running for the best chef award at the country’s top culinary recognition.

Abbi Merriss, of Bluebeard in Indianapolis, and Samir Mohammad, of 9th Street Bistro in Noblesville, have been recognized as semifinalists for James Beard Foundation awards Best Chef, among 20 contenders in the  Great Lakes region (Indiana, Illinois, Michigan and Ohio).

They were not among the five finalists announced on Wednesday though.

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James Beard Award finalists are:

• Omar Anani, Saffron De Twah, Detroit

• Diana Dávila Boldin, Mi Tocaya Antojería, Chicago

• Tim Flores and Genie Kwon, Kasama, Chicago

• Andy Hollyday, Selden Standard, Detroit

• Sarah Welch, Marrow, Detroit

The James Beard awards are considered the Oscars of the culinary world.

Merriss, also executive chef at Kan-Kan Cinema & Brasserie in Indianapolis, has been a semifinalist each year from 2016 to 2020.