Bill Briand, the executive chef of Fisher’s Upstairs at Orange Beach Marina, has been named a semi-finalist for the James Beard Foundation’s Best Chef in the South.
Briand spent seven years with Emeril Lagasse and nine with James Beard Award-winner Donald Link while working in the great kitchens of Emeril’s, Herbsaint, Cochon and Butcher. Donald Link of New Orleans is a semi-finalist in the Outstanding Chef category which is given to “a working chef in America whose career has set national industry standards and who has served as an inspiration to other food professionals.”
Established in 1990, the James Beard Awards recognize culinary professionals for excellence and achievement in their fields and further the Foundation’s mission to celebrate, nurture, and honor America’s diverse culinary heritage through programs that educate and inspire. Each award category has an individual committee made up of industry professionals who volunteer their time to oversee the policies, procedures, and selection of judges for their respective Awards program. All JBF Award winners receive a certificate and a medallion engraved with the James Beard Foundation Awards insignia.
Here is the list of all the Best Chef: South. Several of the restaurants are within driving distance, especially in New Orleans:
BEST CHEF: SOUTH
Greg Baker, The Refinery, Tampa, FL

David Bancroft, Acre, Auburn, AL

Vishwesh Bhatt, Snackbar, Oxford, MS

Kathleen Blake, The Rusty Spoon, Orlando, FL

Bill Briand, Fisher’s Upstairs at Orange Beach Marina, Orange Beach, AL
Justin Devillier, La Petite Grocery, New Orleans
Jose Enrique, Jose Enrique, San Juan, PR

Michael Gulotta, MoPho, New Orleans

Jesse Houston, Saltine, Jackson, MS

Scott Hunnel, Victoria & Albert’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Lake Buena Vista, FL
Deme Lomas, Niu Kitchen, Miami
Matthew McClure, The Hive, Bentonville, AR

Rob McDaniel, SpringHouse, Alexander City, AL

José MendÃn, Pubbelly, Miami Beach, FL

James and Julie Petrakis, The Ravenous Pig, Winter Park, FL
Michael Pirolo, Macchialina, Miami Beach, FL

Giorgio Rapicavoli, Eating House, Coral Gables, FL

Slade Rushing, Brennan’s, New Orleans

Michael Stoltzfus, Coquette, New Orleans
Isaac Toups, Toups’ Meatery, New Orleans
Other Semi-Finalists from NOLA area:
BEST NEW RESTAURANT
A restaurant opened in the calendar year before the award will be given that already displays excellence in food, beverage, and service, and that is likely to make a significant impact in years to come.

MO
Shaya, New Orleans

OUTSTANDING BAR PROGRAM
A restaurant or bar that demonstrates excellence in cocktail, spirits and/or beer service.
Arnaud’s French 75 Bar, New Orleans Bar
Cure, New Orleans

OUTSTANDING CHEF
A working chef in America whose career has set national industry standards and who has served as an inspiration to other food professionals. Eligible candidates must have been working as a chef for the past five years.
Sean Brock, Husk,
Donald Link, Herbsaint, New Orleans
OUTSTANDING PASTRY CHEF
A chef or baker who prepares desserts, pastries or breads in a restaurant, and who serves as a national standard bearer of excellence. Must have been a pastry chef or baker for the past five years.
Antonio Bachour, The St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort, Bal
Kelly Fields, Willa Jean, New Orleans

OUTSTANDING RESTAURATEUR
A working restaurateur who sets high national standards in restaurant operations and entrepreneurship. Candidates must have been in the restaurant business for at least 10 years. Candidates must not have won a James Beard Foundation chef award in the past five years.

JoAnn Clevenger, Upperline, New Orleans

OUTSTANDING SERVICE
A restaurant in operation five or more years that demonstrates high standards of hospitality and service.

Brigtsen’s, New Orleans
Restaurant August, New Orleans

OUTSTANDING WINE PROGRAM
A restaurant in operation five or more years that serves as a standard bearer for excellence in wine service through a well- presented wine list, knowledgeable staff, and efforts to educate customers about wine.
Addison at the Grand Del Mar, San
Commander’s Palace, New Orleans