Eat Local, Eat Award-Winning

Crook's Corner in Chapel Hill

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I'm always game for eating. Highbrow or hot dogs I love to sniff out great eats. In the Triangle's burgeoning restaurant scene it isn't hard to satisfy my rumbling belly. And now is a great time to discover - or rediscover - the best of the best in at tables of some James Beard Awards semifinalists.

Several local chefs (including two rock star women) are nominated for "Best Chef of the Southeast" - Ashley Christensen of Poole's in Raleigh www.poolesdowntowndiner.com; Andrea Reusing of Lantern in Chapel Hill (if they have the coconut braised pork shank, please do yourself a favor and order it) www.lanternrestaurant.com; Bill Smith of Crook's Corner (fried eggs & fried oysters for brunch? yes please) in Chapel Hill www.crookscorner.com; and Scott Howell of Nana's in Durham www.nanasdurham.com. And, both Crook's Corner and Magnolia Grill www.magnoliagrill.net in Durham are in the running for "Outstanding Restaurant."

Keeping it even more local? Each of these fine establishments focus heavily on utilizing local ingredients in their food. Delicious! So put on your elastic waistband pants and proudly eat your way through these award-worthy restaurants.

The James Beard Foundation will whittle the nominees down to 5 in each category on March 22, and announce the big winners at a gala on March 3. Check it all out at www.jamesbeard.org.