Victoria & Albert chef named one of top chefs in the U.S.

Chef Scott Hunnel of Victoria & Albert’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa has again been named a James Beard Foundation semi-finalist as one of the top chefs in the country, according to Disney.

Nominated for the prestigious “Best Chef: South” award for the sixth consecutive year, Hunnel received nominations from the Foundation in 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011.

Scott Hunnel

“For 12 consecutive years, Victoria & Albert’s has been the recipient of the prestigious AAA Five Diamond Award, celebrated the world over thanks to Chef Hunnel’s exquisite culinary creations," Norm Noble, general manager of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, said in a news release.

The James Beard Foundation Awards recognize culinary professionals for excellence and achievement. Each year, the Foundation holds an online open call for entries beginning in mid-October. This year, more than 57,000 entries were received. Semifinalists in 19 awards categories are determined by a governing committee and placed on a nominating ballot sent to more than 550 judges across the country.

Winners will be announced in May.