Two local chefs are among this years nominees for the James Beard Foundation Awards. 

Frank Stitt, chef/owner of Highlands Bar & Grill, Bottega and Chez FonFon, was nominated for Outstanding Chef, along with Grant Achatz (Alinea, Chicago, IL); Jose Andres (Minibar, Washington, DC); Dan Barber (Blue Hill, New York, NY); Suzanne
Goin (Lucques, Los Angeles, CA). Stitt previously was named "Best Chef of the Southeast" in the James Beard competition in 2001, but this time he's up for the national honor, which is given to "a working chef in America whose career has set national industry standards and who has served as an inspiration to other food professionals."

Chris Hastings, chef/owner of Hot and Hot Fish Club, was nominated for Best Chef: South. He's competing against Zach Bell (Café Boulud, Palm Beach, FL), Michelle Bernstein (Michy's, Miami), John Currence (City Grocery, Oxford, MS), and Douglas Rodriguez (Ola, Miami Beach, FL).

Winners will be honored Sunday, June 8.