The new year is off to a hot start for Seattle foodies and restauranteurs alike. The James Beard Foundation has announced its 2024 Restaurant and Chef Awards semifinalists for the James Beard Awards and there are a few local mentions. Let’s see who made the cut this year.

The James Beard Awards are among the nation’s most prestigious culinary honors. It celebrates those who are “creating exceptional food, food media content, and better food systems, while demonstrating a commitment to racial and gender equity, community, sustainability, and a culture where all can thrive.”

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“We are thrilled for the return of the James Beard Awards—recognizing the outstandingly talented leaders making their mark on American food,” said Clare Reichenbach, CEO of the James Beard Foundation.

“As we’ve heard time and again from honorees, receiving this recognition has the potential to be truly transformative—and so, the Awards remain a vital platform for supporting and elevating the independent restaurant industry as a whole. Congratulations to our 2024 semifinalists and best of luck this Awards cycle!”

The 2024 James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards semifinalists from Seattle are:
Outstanding Restaurateur: Quynh-Vy and Yenvy Pham, Phở Bắc Súp Shop, Phởcific Standard Time, and The Boat, Seattle, WA
Outstanding Chef: Aaron Verzosa, Archipelago, Seattle, WA
Outstanding Restaurant: The Walrus and the Carpenter, Seattle, WA
Emerging Chef Janet Becerra, Pancita, Seattle, WA
Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker: Ben Campbell, Ben’s Bread Co., Seattle, WA
Outstanding Wine and Other Beverages Program: Eight Row, Seattle, WA
Best Chef: Northwest and Pacific (AK, HI, OR, WA) :
• Kristi Brown, Communion, Seattle, WA
• Grayson Corrales, MariPili Tapas Bar, Seattle, WA
• Evan Leichtling, Off Alley, Seattle, WA
• Melissa Miranda, Musang, Seattle, WA

As for the award dates, they are as follows:
America’s Classics Winner Announcement; February 28, 2024
Restaurant and Chef Award Nominee and Achievement Award Honorees Announcement (Leadership, Humanitarian of the Year, and Lifetime Achievement Award): April 3, 2024
Media Award Nominee Announcement: April 30, 2024
Media Awards: June 8, 2024
Leadership Awards: June 9, 2024
Restaurant and Chef Awards: June 10, 2024

It looks like you have all sorts of local restaurants to check out now. Enjoy!