The list of semi-finalists for James Beard Foundation Restaurant and Chef Awards — a mark of distinction in the culinary world — is out, and Pittsburgh hit twice.

The new Downtown venue Butcher and the Rye is nominated for Outstanding Bar Program. City Paper just reviewed the restaurant, and you can read more about its bar here.

Further up the river in Lawrenceville, Justin Severino, of Cure, is a semi-finalist for Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic Region.

As always, it's an honor to be nominated; the finalists are announced March 19, and the awards handed out in new York City on May 2 and 5.