2015’s James Beard Awards semi-finalists were announced today, with a hefty Bay Area representation in the list. Until the nominees are finalized on March 24th, there’s plenty of time to take pride in some of our favorite local eateries.

San Francisco naturally tops the list with most nominations, there were handful of nominations for Napa and almost none for Oakland—clearly, the culinary buzz around its up-and-coming scene hasn’t yet reached the Foundation.

Among the nominations for Best Chef-West:
Matthew Accarrino of SPQR
Stuart Brioza and Nicole Krasinski of State Bird Provisions
Dominique Crenn, of Atelier Crenn
Mourad Lahlou of Aziza
Jennifer Puccio of Marlowe
Joshua Skenes of Saison
Corey Lee of Benu
Tyler Florence of Wayfare Tavern

Taking it a notch higher, Traci Des Jardins of Jardinière; Nancy Oakes of Boulevard; and Michael Tusk of Quince made it to the national Best Chef category. Meanwhile, Jeremy Wayne of La Folie is being considered for the Rising Star award.

For the Outstanding Restaurant category, the Foundation seemingly prefers classics—Acquerello, Greens and Restaurant Gary Danko won’t surprise local eaters. Nods for Outstanding Service went to Quince, Saison and Perbacco.

On the fresher side of things, the much-hyped Lazy Bear and the new hotspot from State Bird Provision’s team The Progress got well-deserving nominations for Best New Restaurant.

Umberto Gibin and Michael Mina are competing for the Outstanding Restaurateur award, and the city is well represented in everything carbs and alcohol related:

Belinda Leong and Michel Suas of B. Patisserie and William Werner or Craftsman and Wolves are nominated for Outstanding Baker, while Bill Corbett, Absinthe Group, is in the running for Outstanding Pastry Chef.

The Outstanding Bar Program nominees include Bar Agricole and Trick Dog, and A16 is up for Outstanding Wine Program gives respect to A16.

• Tag: james beard