The first in several rounds for the Oscars of the food world has been announced, but the question is: who will walk away with the awards this year?

Music has the Grammys, film has the Oscars, and food & drink has the James Beard Awards. Celebrating the brightest stars in cuisine, culinary writing, and culinary education, the awards are will be celebrating their 27th year in May at the ceremony in Chicago at the  Lyric Opera Hall. New York is always well represented, and this year is no exception. See below for the list of our semifinalists. 

Best New Restaurant: Le Coucou, Olmsted

Outstanding Baker: Dianna Daoheung (Black Seed Bagels), Zachary Golper (Bien Cuit)

Outstanding Bar Program: Bar Goto, The Dead Rabbit, 

Outstanding Chef: Andrew Carmellini (Locanda Verde), Gabrielle Hamilton (Prune)

Outstanding Pastry Chef: Marc Aumont (Gabriel Kreuther), Ghaya Oliveira (Daniel)

Outstanding Restaurant: Frankies 457 Spuntino, Momofuku Noodle Bar, The Spotted Pig

Outstanding Restaurateur: Andrew Tarlow, Brooklyn, NY (Diner, Marlow & Sons, Reynard, and others)

Outstanding Service: Blue Hill at Stone Barns, Pocantico Hills, NY

Outstanding Wine Program: Corkbuzz, Rouge Tomate

Outstanding Wine, Beer, or Spirits Professional: Jeppe Jarnit-Bjergsø (Evil Twin Brewing), Aldo Sohm (Zalto Glass)

Rising Star Chef of the Year: Elise Kornack (Take Root), Matt Rudofker (Momofuku Ssäm Bar)

Best Chef New York City: 

Rawia Bishara, Tanoreen, Brooklyn, NY

Danny Bowien, Mission Chinese Food

Marco Canora, Hearth

Mario Carbone and Rich Torrisi, Carbone

John Fraser, Nix

Markus Glocker, Bâtard

Sean Gray, Momofuku Ko

Brooks Headley, Superiority Burger

Nick Kim and Jimmy Lau, Shuko

Anita Lo, Annisa

Ignacio Mattos, Estela

Carlo Mirarchi, Blanca, Brooklyn, NY

Joe Ng, RedFarm

Alex Raij and Eder Montero, Txikito

Ann Redding and Matt Danzer, Uncle Boons

Missy Robbins, Lilia, Brooklyn, NY

Justin Smillie, Upland

Jeremiah Stone and Fabián von Hauske, Contra

Alex Stupak, Empellón Cocina

Jody Williams, Buvette Gastrothèque

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