Balena Earns Nod from ‘Oscars’ of Food Awards

Balena, Lincoln Park's new Italian eatery, is on fire. Since opening in 2012, the restaurant has earned Michelin honors, Best Pastry Chef from the Chicago Tribune, and a Time Out nomination for Best Restaurant.

And the list is growing.

On Tuesday, Balena made the semifinalist list for Best New Restaurant with the 2013 James Beard Foundation Awards. The awards have often been called the Oscars of the food industry, celebrating the best chefs, restaurateurs and beverage professionals throughout North America.   

The restaurant has no easy mission ahead. Balena faces 28 other competitors from around the country, including fellow Chicago eatery Grace. 

The foundation released the award semifinalists on Tuesday, and in March, the finalists will be announced. A 600-person independent volunteer panel determines those finalists, the Huffington Post reports. They’ll narrow down the list to five nominees in each category, with the winners named May 6.

Balena joins several other North Side nominees:

• Chef Chris Nugent of Goosefoot, Lincoln Square: Best Chef Great Lakes Region
• The Violet Hour, Wicker Park: Outstanding Bar Program
• Chef Matthew Kirkley of L20, Lincoln Park: Rising Star Chef of the Year
• Chef Michael Carlson of Schwa, Wicker Park: Best Chef: Great Lakes

See the full list of semifinalists here. 

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