James Beard Award semifinalists in the Restaurant and Chef Awards categories were released Jan. 21. The Upstate had three nominees.
Andrea Ciavardini-Royko, managing partner and sommelier at downtown Greenville Italian eatery Jianna, was nominated in the Outstanding Professional in Beverage Service category. Owner and chef Michael Kramer released a restaurant cookbook with a wine preamble contributed by Royko in 2024.
Joe Cash, chef and owner of Scoundrel, was nominated for Best Chef: Southeast. Cash had a banner year in 2025, with Scoundrel earning the Upstate’s first Michelin Star. Scoundrel is located on Greenville’s Main Street…