MAINE FOODIES READ ON...2009 James Beard Nominees are in...Maine has quite a presence...

Maine offers some of the most spectacular dining in the country. The 2009 James Beard Foundation nominations are in and we're proud to have such talent right here in the Pine Tree State. Here are this year's Semi-Finalists:

• Outstanding Chef: Sam Hayward, Fore Street, Portland, Maine
• Outstanding Restaurant: Fore Street, Portland, Maine
• Best New Restaurant: Emilista, Portland, Maine
• Best Chef, Northeast:Penelle Chase, Phoebe Chase, Megan Chase, and Ted Lafage, Chase's Daily, Belfast, Maine
• Rob Evans, Hugo's, Portland, Maine
• Clark Frasier and Mark Gaier, Arrows Restaurant, Ogunquit, Maine
• Rich Hanson, Cleonice Bistro, Ellsworth, Maine
• Brian Hill, Francine Bistro, Camden, Maine

The five final nominees will be announced March 23rd. Stay tuned...