Behold Portland's 2015 James Beard Award Semi-Finalists

The James Beard Foundation just announced the semi-finalists of the 2015 Restaurant and Chef awards this morning, and once again there's a heaping helping of Portland notables on the list. Last year was a big year for Portland, with Naomi Pomeroy's win for Best Chef Northwest, and Nick's Italian Cafe in McMinnville earning an American Classics Award. Will 2015 be an even bigger year?

Finalists for the awards will be selected from this long list and announced on Tuesday, March 24, 2015. The winners will be announced at the James Beard Foundation Awards on Monday, May 4 in Chicago.

For the full list of semifinalists click here.

Outstanding Chef:

Andy Ricker, Pok Pok

Outstanding Pastry Chef

Kristen Murray, Måurice

Best New Restaurant

Kachka
Langbaan

Best Chef Northwest

Greg Denton and Gabrielle Quiñónez Denton, Ox,

Kevin Gibson, Davenport

Gregory Gourdet, Departure

Sunny Jin, Jory Restaurant at the Allison Inn & Spa, Newberg

Joe Kim, 5 Fusion and Sushi Bar, Bend

Trent Pierce, Roe

Sarah Pliner, Aviary

Ryan Roadhouse, Nodoguro

Justin Woodward, Castagna

Outstanding Baker

Tim Healea, Little T American Baker

Outstanding Bar Program

Clyde Common

Outstanding Wine Program

Jory Restaurant at the Allison Inn & Spa, Newberg