Eleven local eateries, chefs, bakers, and even farmers have been chosen to represent South Jersey in the first annual Garden State Culinary Arts Awards.

The awards are the vision of Andy Clurfeld, the former restaurant reviewer for the Asbury Park Press, and are run by a volunteer committee of journalists and food writers from around the state.

According to their Facebook page, the candidates will be voted on by about 100 independent judges from around the state - journalists, food writers, cookbook authors and other culinary experts.

The top three vote-getters in each category will be announced publicly in April. That will be put to another vote, and the final winners will be announced on Saturday, May 6.

Here are South Jersey's eleven candidates for the first Garden State Culinary Arts Awards.

BEST RESTAURANT
Cafe 2825, Atlantic City

OUTSTANDING CHEF

BEST NEW RESTAURANT
Shamone Bites + Wine, Cape May

OUTSTANDING FARMER

Matthew Bruckler lll, JAH’s Creation Organic Farm, Egg Harbor Township

OUTSTANDING PASTRY CHEF/BAKER

OUTSTANDING FOOD ARTISAN

Busy Bees NJ, Middle Township: Gary and Erin Schempp

GARDEN STATE CULINARY LEGEND

Lucille Thompson, chef, The Magnolia Room, The Chalfonte Hotel, Cape May

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