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L’Etoile's Tory Miller and Underground Collective's Jonny Hunter are the two Madison chefs recognized this year as James Beard Award nominees.

The 2019 James Beard Award nominees were announced Wednesday. The awards are considered the top honor in the culinary world.

Miller is among 20 nominated in the overall category of "Outstanding Chef"; while Hunter was one of 20 in "Best Chef: Midwest."

It's Miller's second time being nominated in the Outstanding Chef category. He was nominated in 2016, but didn't make it into the final five. Miller won in the Midwest category in 2012 and was also nominated in 2011. L'Etoile's wine program was a semifinalist in 2013.

"I just work with incredible people, both in the kitchen and front of the house that support me and motivate me to keep working hard and moving our restaurants forward," Miller said.

He credited his business partner, Dianne Christensen, for furthering his career and allowing him to do the work he does. Miller and Christensen run four restaurants under the Deja Food group. Two other partners left amicably in September, Miller said.