COLUMBUS, Ohio — Two Columbus chefs are in the running for a James Beard Foundation Award.
Avishar Barua and BJ Lieberman are among 20 semifinalists for the "Chef of the Year" award in the Great Lakes region.
Barua is a Columbus native and a graduate of The Ohio State University where he earned his degrees in biology and psychology.
He first stepped into the national spotlight back in 2021 when he was a contestant on Bravo TV's "Top Chef." Just last spring, he made an appearance on "Beat Bobby Flay" where he beat the Iron Chef.
Barua said he is still in a state of shock to be a semifinalist for the James Beard Foundation Award.
"In my entire life, I have never planned for an opportunity like this. I am happy that we are here and I am really excited for the team," Barua said.
He has two restaurants open in the central Ohio area. One of which, Joya's, is in Worthington and named after his mother. Six months after opening Joya's, he opened Agni, located in the Brewery District.
Chef Lieberman is a Virginia native who moved to Columbus during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Since moving to the area, he has opened three restaurants, including Chapman's Eat Market in German Village.
He also opened Ginger Rabbit Jazz Lounge and his latest, Hiraeth, opened in the Short North in August 2023.
Chapman's was named one of the 50 best restaurants in the country in 2021 by The New York Times.
This isn't the first time Lieberman was named a semifinalist for the award. Last year, he was in the semifinals for the same award.
Lieberman said he wouldn't be nominated for the award if it wasn't for his team.
"This is a team sport. The way that I think of it is, it's the entire restaurant, it's not just me." Lieberman said. "The most important thing to me is that my team knows that they are the one that made this happen. They are the ones who are putting in all the work and I just appreciate them and love them so much for what they do to make this place so special."
Nominees for the James Beard Award will be announced on April 3. Winners will be celebrated on June 10 in Chicago.