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Baker Miller Named Semifinalist for James Beard Outstanding Baker Award

By Patty Wetli | February 18, 2015 1:56pm
 Dave and Megan Miller are in the running for the first James Beard Outstanding Baker Award.
Dave and Megan Miller are in the running for the first James Beard Outstanding Baker Award.
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DNAinfo/Patty Wetli

LINCOLN SQUARE — Wednesday's announcement of semifinalists for the annual James Beard Awards contained a number of the usual Chicago suspects — Spiaggia, Topolobampo, Grace — along with more than a few newcomers, including Dave and Megan Miller of Lincoln Square's Baker Miller.

The Millers are among the inaugural group of contenders for the Beard's first-ever Outstanding Baker Award. Judy Contino of Bittersweet Pastry is the only other Chicago semifinalist in the category.

"We're surprised, ecstatic, and extremely honored," the Millers posted to Baker Miller's Facebook page.

The Outstanding Baker Award was established to distinguish the unique achievements of bakers versus pastry chefs, according to Chicago Tribune restaurant critic Phil Vettel, who's chairman of the Beard's restaurant and chef awards committee.

"The Outstanding Baker Award grew from our desire to honor those professionals working beyond the restaurant dessert realm," Vettel said in a statement that announced the creation of the award.

"This award acknowledges the vitality of the pastry and baking professions, in restaurants and in bakeries of many kinds, and the importance of bread and dessert to the dining experience," he said.

"What a brilliant and progressive move to recognize bakers as a separate title separate from pastry chefs," the Millers said via Facebook. "It's quite a different ball game and we're thrilled that they've noticed."

The list of 25 baker semifinalists will be whittled down to five finalists, to be announced March 24.

The awards will be handed out May 4 at a gala ceremony to be held at Chicago's Lyric Opera House, the first time the honors have taken place outside New York City.

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