Hawai‘i chefs and establishments appear six times on the 2018 James Beard Award list of semifinalists, with a couple of surprises. They are:

Best new restaurant: Maru Sushi, Honolulu, O‘ahu
Outstanding baker: George Kanemitsu, Kanemitsu Bakery, Kaunakakai, Moloka‘i
Outstanding bar program: Bar Leather Apron, Honolulu
Outstanding restaurant: Mama’s Fish House, Pa‘ia, Maui
Best chef, West: Chris Kajioka, Senia, Honolulu, O‘ahu
Best chef, West: Ed Kenney, Mud Hen Water, Honolulu, O‘ahu

Why Anthony Rush isn’t included with Chris Kajioka as a team, as with many other restaurants in the regional best chef categories is beyond me.

Congratulations to all!

You can see the full list here.