Some DMV residents are seeing their favorite local dining spots nominated for the James Beard Foundation Awards this year. Often called the "Oscars of the food world," the awards recognize and celebrate some of the best culinary professionals in the country.
Brag on, DMVers!
Nominations, revealed Tuesday, include Baltimore native Mark Furstenberg, who's nominated for the Outstanding Baker award. In 2014, he started Bread Furst (4434 Connecticut Ave. NW), a Van Ness bakery selling freshly baked breads, cakes, pies and pastries, plus coffee, tea and more. With its spacious outdoor patio, Bread Furst perfect for a sit-down breakfast or snack, or for picking up celebratory or seasonal pies and cakes. Bread Furst is packed on weekend mornings, but the messy egg sandwich is worth it.
In addition, three of the six chefs nominated for Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic cook up their craft in the DMV.
In Arlington, Chef Peter Chang is the namesake of his restaurant, Peter Chang (2503-E North Harrison St., Arlington), which offers Szechuan cuisine. Chang has seven restaurants throughout Virginia.
Chang's closest (geographically) competitor is Chef Aaron Silverman, who serves a diverse menu in the small but hot hot hot Rose's Luxury (717 8th St. SE) on Barracks Row. If you still haven't checked out this spot, be aware: It doesn't take reservations, and there's usually a line waiting when the spot opens up at 5 p.m. every day.