The James Beard Awards announced the semifinalists for this year's restaurant and chef awards this morning. The final list of nominees will be announced during a ceremony March 21 right here in Portland, but here's the complete list of Portland-area candidates. (Notably, no PDX semifinalists in the Best New Restaurant or Outstanding Chef categories):
Outstanding Pastry Chef: Ken Forkish (Ken's Artisan Bakery)
Outstanding Restaurant: Higgins Restaurant & Bar
Outstanding Wine and Spirits Professional: Steve McCarthy (Clear Creek Distillery)
Rising Star Chef of the Year: Matt Lightner (Castagna), Gabriel Rucker (Le Pigeon)
Best Chef, Northwest: John Gorham (Toro Bravo), Christopher Israel (Gruner), Jenn Louis (Lincoln), Andy Ricker (Pok Pok), Gabriel Rucker (Le Pigeon), Cathy Whims (Nostrana)
· Awards Watch: 2011 Restaurant and Chef Awards Semifinalists [JB]
· All Previous James Beard Coverage [Eater PDX]