Seven West Loop restaurants and chefs named James Beard Award finalists

It’s been a busy year – and day – in West Loop restaurant news.

Earlier today, the James Beard Award Finalists were announced at famed West Loop restaurant The Publican and livestreamed on the web.

The finalist list includes seven West Loop restaurants, chefs, entrepreneurs, and design firms, not to mention three of the four finalists for the Best Chef Great Lakes award.

Finalists are:

• Dave Beran (Next): Best Chef Great Lakes
• Curtis Duffy (Grace): Best Chef Great Lakes
• Andrew Zimmerman (Sepia): Best Chef Great Lakes
• David Posey (Blackbird): Outstanding Restaurant
• Donnie Madia (One Off Hospitality): Outstanding Restauranteur
• Dana Cree (Blackbird): Outstanding Pastry Chef
• Lawton Stanley Architects (Grace): Best Restaurant Design, 75 seats and under

Eater Chicago has compiled a full list of Chicago finalists.

What do you think has been the biggest news this year for foodies in the West Loop? Please leave your answers as comments below!