Sam Gorenstein, Hedy Goldsmith and Eos James Beard 2010 Award Semifinalists

Photo by Jacob Katel

BLT Steak's Sam Gorenstein is a semifinalist for Rising Star Chef of the Year.

​In anticipation of the nominees set to be announced March 22 in New Orleans, the James Beard Foundation has revealed the 2010 semifinalists for its Restaurant and Chef Awards -- and Miami is definitely well represented.

Up for Outstanding Restauranteur is Myles Chefetz, head of the Myles Restaurant Group, which is behind popular beach eateries like Prime One Twelve, Prime Italian, Nemo and Shoji Sushi.

A well-deserved nominee if you ask us is Sam Gorenstein of BLT Steak at the Besty Hotel who is up for Rising Star Chef of the Year.

We'd like to think Lee Klein's review had something to do with Eos at the Viceroy getting picked for Best New Restaurant along with Soleá at the W South Beach.

Hedy Goldsmith's pop tarts had Frank Bruni raving about them in the New York Times, so it's no surprise she's  up for Outstanding Pastry Chef.

And finally in the regional Best Chef South category Philippe Ruiz of Palme d'Or, Michael Schwartz of Michael's Genuine Food & Drink, and Kris Wessel of Red Light have all made the list.

We'll see who gets shortlisted when the nominees are announced March 22. Let's keep our fingers crossed.