There were some disappointments for locals in the list of finalists for the 2010 James Beard Foundation Awards, announced on Monday. The Bluebird Tavern and head chefs from Kitchen Table Bistro and Hen of the Wood — all semifinalists — didn’t end up on the roster.

But a few local writers made the cut: Barry Estabrook of Vergennes — formerly of Gourmet magazine — Knopf senior editor and VP Judith Jones, who lives part time in Greensboro; Rowan Jacobsen of Calais; and Jessie Price and the editors of EatingWell.

A final coup for Vermont: Al’s French Frys is one of five establishments to receive “America’s Classics” awards for “timeless appeal” and community character.

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Former contributor Suzanne Podhaizer is an award-winning food writer (and the first Seven Days food editor) as well as a chef, farmer, and food-systems consultant. She has given talks at the Stone Barns Center for Agriculture's "Poultry School" and its...