The James Beard Awards nominees for 2013 have been announced, and Philly is set to sweep them with 16 nominees. It’s an impressive reflection on our food scene. Considered the “Oscars” of the food world, past local winners include Jose Garces, Michael Solomonov and John’s Roast Pork.

The nominees are:

Best New Restaurant
Vernick Food & Drink

Outstanding Bar Program
The Franklin Mortgage and Investment Co.

Outstanding Chef
Marc Vetri, Vetri

Outstanding Pastry Chef
Andre Chin and Amanda Eap,
Artisan Boulanger Patissie

Outstanding Service
Fountain Restaurant at Four Seasons Hotel
Vetri

Outstanding Wine, Spirits and Beer Professional
Tom Peters, Monk’s Cafe

Rising Chef Award
Joe Cicala, Le Virtù
Christopher Kearse, Will

Philly dominates the Best Chef (Mid-Atlantic) with 6 nominations:
Pierre Calmels, Bibou
Konstantinos Pitsillides, Kanella
Sylva Senat, Tashan
Brad Spence, Amis
Lee Styer, Fond
Marcie Turney, Barbuzzo

The awards will be given May 3rd in New York. Expect at least one cheesesteak and/or scrapple joke.