James Beard Foundation 2015 Awards Finalists Include Castagna And Ox Chefs

The James Beard Foundation this morning just dropped the names of its 2015 Award finalists, and we were happy to see the recognition of a few familiar faces.

Last year, you might remember that Beast and Expatriate's Naomi Pomeroy took home the crown for the Northwest's Best Chef.

Will another Portlander hold on to that title again in 2015, or will the crown travel elsewhere?

If Castagna's Justin Woodward or Ox's Greg Denton and Gabrielle Quiñónez Denton have anything to say about, that crown's staying right here, where it belongs.

Also nominated this year was Portland Monthly's Karen Brooks, for a trio of articles she recently penned. Her stories will compete with the works of two other authors in the Craig Claiborne Distinguished Restaurant Review Award.

Will any of these PDXers bring these awards back home to the Rose City? Stay tuned to find out. The James Beard Foundation will announce all of its award winners in Chicago on Monday, May 4.

In the meantime, we're listing all of Portland's semi-finalists below. The fields this year were crowded, but we think you should have the opportunity stop by any of these chef- and bartender-driven spots to congratulate the men and women who make eating and drinking here such a privilege (and a sport).

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

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