Austin's chefs and restaurants are well represented among the semifinalists for the 2018 James Beard awards. East Austin Japanese-Texas fusion spot Kemuri Tatsu-Ya, which opened in January 2017, was nominated for Best New Restaurant. Jeffrey Stuffings of Jester King Brewery was nominated for Outstanding Wine, Beer or Spirits professional. Laura Sawicki of Launderette was nominated for Outstanding Pastry Chef. And three locals—Kevin Fink of Emmer & Rye, Michael Fojtasek of Olamaie and Bryce Gilmore of Barley Swine—were nominated in the Best Southwest Chef category. Finalists for the awards will be announced March 14 and winners on April 27.