Check out the two South Dakota chefs who were nominated for the James Beard Award

PIERRE, S.D. — Two chefs from South Dakota have been announced as semifinalist nominees for the James Beard Awards.

Joseph Raney from Skogen Kitchen in Custer and Sanaa Abourezk from Sanaa’s Gourmet Mediterranean in Sioux Falls are listed as semifinalists in the best chef category for the Midwest Region.

“It is such an honor to celebrate these two outstanding South Dakota chefs,” said South Dakota Department of Tourism Secretary James Hagen. “Anybody who has been to their restaurants can easily understand why they are semifinalists for this incredible award. Sanaa and Joseph have elevated the culinary experience in our state. Their menus are satisfying palettes from around the globe and are making South Dakota a culinary destination.”

Finalists for the award will be announced March 29, and the winners will be awarded at the James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards Ceremony in Chicago on June 5.

The James Beard Awards are considered one of the highest honors in the culinary industry.