James Beard Foundation Awards - 2016

James Beard Award semi-finalists were announced this morning, and, once again, San Francisco is well represented.

Usual suspects include Nancy Oakes (Boulevard) and Michael Tusk (Quince) who received nominations for outstanding chef.

Acquerello, Foreign Cinema and Restaurant Gary Danko (review), were short-listed in the outstanding restaurant category.

Those looking for a new, top-notch dining in San Francisco should look to Cala and Liholiho Yacht Club — both semis for best new restaurant in the country.

Other semi-finalists include Michael Mina (outstanding restaurateur), Quince and Saison (outstanding service), and Benu and Nope (outstanding wine program).

On the desert front, Belinda Leong and Michel Suas (B. Patisserie) were nominated for outstanding baker, along with Melissa Chou (Mourand) and Juan Contreras (Atelier Crenn).

Rising stars to watch on the San Francisco food scene include Sara Hauman (Huxley) and Ryan Pollnow (Aatxe).

Rounding out — the rather impressive — nominations for San Francisco include Bar Agricole and Trick Dog (outstanding bar program),

Food Republic has the complete list of James Beard Foundation chef and restaurant semi-finalists for 2016.

Finalists will be announced on March 15 in San Francisco, and the winners on May 2 in Chicago. Congratulations and good luck to all.