Bay Area chefs and restaurants are poised to shine at the 2016 James Beard Awards, known colloquially as the "Oscars of food."
The James Beard Foundation announced the list of this year's semifinalists Wednesday.
Among the most notable contenders: Young San Francisco restaurants Cala and Liholiho Yacht Club, both vying for Best New Restaurant; city staples Foreign Cinema, Acquerello and Restaurant Gary Danko, each up for Outstanding Restaurant; and SF bars Trick Dog and Bar Agricole, facing off for the second year in a row in hopes of an Outstanding Bar Program nod.
David Kinch of Los Gatos restaurants Manresa and The Bywater, Nancy Oakes from SF's Boulevard and Michael Tusk of Quince and Cotogna restaurants are all hoping to make the final list for Outstanding Chef.
Meanwhile, two SF chefs under 30 are eligible for the Rising Star Chef of the Year category: Ryan Pollnow (Aatxe) and Sara Hauman (formerly of Huxley).
The Bay Area has also received semifinalist nominations in categories for the Pacific Coast as well as national awards for baking, pastry chefs, wine and service.
Finalists will be named during a press conference at San Francisco's Presidio Officers Club on March 15. Winners will be given James Beard Awards medals in a ceremony on May 2 in Chicago.
