The Restaurant and Chef Award Semifinalists for the 2013 James Beard Foundation Awards are out—and Hawai‘i has three guys on the list! *Drumroll please* The semifinalists are:

Rising Star Chef: Quinten Frye, Salt Bar & Kitchen (pictured above)
Best Chef: West: Ed Kenney, Town
Outstanding Wine, Spirits, or Beer Professional: Chuck Furuya, DK Restaurants

Congratulations to all three men—they have worked hard for the honor. Frye’s semifinal status is testament to chef Kevin Hanney’s own talent and ability in putting together amazing teams for Salt and his original 12th Avenue Grill.