2 Buffalo restaurants named semi-finalists for prestigious national award

"The James Beard award are like the Oscars of the food industry."

BUFFALO N.Y. (WIVB) - Two local restaurants are putting the Buffalo food scene in the national spotlight. Southern Junction and Waxlight Bar à Vin are both semi-finalists for the prestigious James Beard Award.

"The James Beard award are like the Oscars of the food industry. It is the highest recognition you can get as a business operator, as a chef, as someone who works in hospitality," Ryan Fernandez, owner of Southern Junction Barbecue, said.

Fernandez is a semi-finalist in the emerging chef category. He's listed alongside chefs he grew up idolizing and said it's an honor.

"Being a barbecue place and being listed as the same level as some of the more fine dining places or the heavier hitters in the food industry, it's very cool," he said. "It brings recognition to the amount of work that goes into something as simple as barbecue."

Fernandez puts his own unique twist on his barbecue by incorporating his heritage.

"I was born in India, ended up growing up in Texas before moving here, so it's Texas BBQ with a little bit of Indian flare so to speak," he said.

Waxlight Bar à Vin on Chandler Street is raising a glass for being nominated a second year in a row.

"We are so excited, we're stoked. This is the second year for us, and always in the back of our minds wondered if we'll get nominated a second time and it happened. We're beyond proud and humbled," Jessica Forster, who's a partner and wine director, said.

The restaurant is one of 20 semi-finalists nationwide in the "Outstanding Wine and Other Beverages Program" category.

"It's kind of a commitment to excellence in everything wine, cocktails and spirits related, from our knowledge to our service," Forster said.

Getting recognition for the restaurant's distinctive atmosphere and drink menu helps highlight what Buffalo has to offer.

"For our restaurant group, it's been pretty fantastic and has brought some notice and attention to WNY which is always fantastic for our region as well," said co-owner Tony Rials.

Nominees will be announced on April 3, followed by winners on June 10.