Ollie Irene chef a James Beard semifinalist

Chris Newsome of Ollie Irene has been named a semifinalist for a James Beard award.

Newsome is one of 20 semifinalists for the Best Chef in the South.

Other Birmingham semifinalists this year are Dolester Miles of Highlands Bar and Grill for Best Pastry Chef, Highlands Bar and Grill for Outstanding Restaurant and Nick Pihakis of Jim 'N Nick's Bar-B-Q for Outstanding Restaurateur.

The final restaurant and chef award nominees will be announced on March 24, and the 2015 James Beard Awards gala will be held in Chicago on May 4.

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.