[addtoany]

It’s that time again: The James Beard Foundation today announced its 2019 semifinalists for the prestigious James Beard Awards. Think of this as the food world’s answer to the Oscars. Last year Edouardo Jordan took home two. And this year, the Seattle area has some pretty solid representation—it reads a bit like a who’s who of our favorite restaurants (in fact, many of these places are on our 100 Best Things to Eat list). Finalists will be announced March 27; winners announced at the big Chicago gala on May 6. But for now, here’s who to root for:

Best New Restaurant: Sawyer

Outstanding Bakers: Kit Schumann and Jesse Schumann (Sea Wolf Bakers)

Outstanding Bar Program: No Anchor

Outstanding Chef: Renee Erickson (Bateau) and Shiro Kashiba (Sushi Kashiba)

Outstanding Pastry Chef: Junko Mine (Cafe Juanita)

Outstanding Restaurant: Cafe Juanita

Outstanding Restaurateur: Ethan Stowell (Ethan Stowell Restaurants: Ballard Pizza Co., Bramling Cross, Cortina and others)

Outstanding Service: Canlis

Outstanding Wine Program: L’Oursin

Outstanding Wine, Spirits, or Beer Producer: Mhairi Voelsgen (broVo Spirits)

Rising Star Chef of the Year: Shota Nakajima (Adana)

Best Chef: Northwest: Logan Cox (Homer); Eric Donnelly (RockCreek); Eric Johnson (Stateside); Taichi Kitamura (Sushi Kappo Tamura); Mutsuko Soma (Kamonegi); Brady Williams (Canlis); Rachel Yang and Seif Chirchi (Joule)