2013 James Beard Award Semifinalists: Disney's Victoria and Albert's & Chef Scott Hunnel

Disney's talented Chef Scott Hunnel of 'Victoria & Albert's' at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa and the Disney Cruise Line's 'Remy' has been chosen as a semifinalist for a 2013 James Beard Award. Selected from an overall field of 44,000 industry peers, Chef Hunnel takes his place in the Best Chef: South category. Victoria & Alberts restaurant itself has also earned a place as a semifinalist in the Outstanding Service category.

James Beard Award Silver Medallion

The 49 year old Hunnel started his culinary career washing dishes in a Chicago restaurant and has been with Disney since 1989. He and his team have repeatedly pushed the range the fine dining experience. In 2010 he oversaw the opening of V&A's of Queen Victoria's Room with just four tables, it is not only one of Disney's premier dining destinations, but one of the most exclusive dining rooms in Orlando.

Chef Scott Hunnel

The list of semifinalist nominees is sent to an independent volunteer panel of industry leaders that comprise the more than 600 judges. Each judge votes on specific award categories to determine the final five nominees in each category. The same judges then vote on these five nominees to select the winners. Winners will be announced at an awards ceremony on May 6, 2013.

This is not the first time that Chef Hunnel has been nominated for the prestegious honor from the James Beard Foundation, in fact this is his 7th year in a row on the list of nominees. We at Walt Disney World for Grown Ups have our fingers crossed that this is his year.

Have you eaten on one of Chef Hunnel's restaurants? Leave a comment and let us know what you thought about the food of this remarkable Disney Chef!

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