3 From Del. Named James Beard Award Semifinalists

REHOBOTH BEACH, Del.– For the first time ever, Delaware has three James Beard Award semifinalists.

Two chefs and a brewer have been recognized as James Beard Foundation Award semifinalists for 2012.

The James Beard Foundation Awards were established in 1990 and are given annually to recognize the best and most creative talent in the food and beverage industry.

Topping the list is Jay Caputo, chef and owner of Espuma in Rehoboth Beach. He is one of 20 semifinalists for Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic. A newcomer to the list is J.D Morton of Domaine Hudson Wine and Bar Eatery, in Wilmington.

Sam Calagione, founder and president of Dogfish Head Craft Brewery in Milton, is one of 20 semifinalists in the Outstanding Wine & Spirits Professional category. Dogfish Head is owned by relatives of WBOC's owner Tom Draper.

Caputo said the James Beard Awards are sort of like the Academy Awards of cooking.

"This is a big deal because the Mid-Atlanic is a large region," Caputo said. "This is my sixth time as a semifinalist and it is a goal of mine to earn the big win."

"You can't make the finals if you don't make the semifinals," he added. "This is an extremely prestigious award that brings national attention to the area."

The list of final nominees will be announced next Monday. The winners will be announced at a May 7 ceremony at Lincoln Center's Avery Fisher Hall in New York City. The event will be hosted by celebrity chef Alton Brown. Brown who has won multiple James Beard Awards of his own.