Maryland is sadly underrepresented. In fact, no chef or restaurant made it to the final ballot.

If you want to try something nearby on the ballot you'll have to go to Vidalia or Palena in DC, whose chefs are among the final five of the Best Chef in the Mid-Atlantic nominations. Of the five Oustanding Chef nominees (whose career has set national industry standards and who has served as an inspiration to other food professionals) the only one roughly in our area is Michel Richard of Citronelle. (Well, we had one of his restaurants in Baltimore once.)

The winners will be announced May 7.