Doug Hewitt of Howell is a semifinalist for a James Beard award. Considered the culinary Oscar, the award celebrates excellence in restauranting. Hewitt, executive chef of both Chartreuse Kitchen & Cocktails  and Freya, in Detroit, is up for Best Chef: Great Lakes (IL, IN, MI, Ohio) for Freya. He is one of five chefs nominated from Michigan. The Howell High School grad said being nominated “feels great.” “We as chefs like to sometimes pretend that accolades aren’t the most important things,” Hewitt said. “And they’re not. But this one feels good. It really does.” Hewitt said he’s been overwhelmed by … Continue reading Yes, chef! Howell man nominated for prestigious James Beard award