The Restaurant and Chef Committee has chosen from among more than 20,000 applicants the semifinalists in each of the 21 categories that make up the 26th annual James Beard Foundation Awards. Categories which represent a wide range of culinary talent, from exceptional chefs and dining destinations in ten different regions across the U.S., to the nation’s top wine and spirits professionals, best new restaurants, rising star chefs, pastry chefs and bakers.

We are glad to see great professionals and collaborators of our magazine such as Zachary Golper, John Kraus, William Werner (one of the leading chefs in the next so good #16), Antonio Bachour and Meg Galus (so good #12) in the ​​Outstanding Baker and Outstanding Pastry Chef category. The full list can be found on the website.

On 15 March, the names of the five final nominees in each category will be released and the Awards Gala will be held on 2 May at the Lyric Opera of Chicago.