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Meet the two South Carolina finalists for the prestigious James Beard Awards

Christina Lee Knauss //March 29, 2023//

Meet the two South Carolina finalists for the prestigious James Beard Awards

Christina Lee Knauss //March 29, 2023//

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Two Columbia restaurants are finalists for James Beard Awards from the prestigious James Beard Foundation.

Lula Drake Wine Parlour is a finalist for outstanding hospitality and Aaron Hoskins, Sarah Simmons and Elie Yigo of CITY GRIT Hospitality are finalists for Outstanding Restaurateur.

Columbia Is the only South Carolina city represented among the group nominees and the only city In the Southeast with two finalists.

“The Columbia region continues to expand its culinary talent and experiences and this truth could not be any more reinforced than by this latest recognition by the prestigious James Beard Foundation,” says Bill Ellen, president and CEO of Experience Columbia SC. “We’re extremely proud to be a standout within the state of South Carolina and the broader Southeast region. This achievement is evidence of the incredible talent who call Columbia home. We wish both of our finalists the best and want them to know how proud we are of them.” 

Each of these nominees will Invited to the James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards ceremony on Monday, June 5 at the Lyric Opera of Chicago.