Cheers! Serving up Alabama’s 2024 James Beard semifinalists

Newcomers join some familiar names on the list of Alabama-based semifinalists for the 2024 James Beard Awards, considered the nation’s most prestigious accolades for chefs, restaurants, beverage programs, and even food journalists. Announced last Wednesday, the Alabama nominees include a six-time Beard semifinalist facing off with a “Top Chef” winner, a lauded chef from Mobile, and others for best chef in the South. A pastry guru with a new bakery in Birmingham is singled out among the nation’s emerging chefs. A bay-area restaurant is praised for its wine and beverage program. Alabama has been