The James Beard Foundation today announced a long list of semifinalists for the 2010 James Beard Awards in 19 restaurant and chef categories. This represents the first cut before the final five nominees get the nod March 22. On that date, the James Beard Foundation will also announce the final nominees for restaurant design and graphics, books, journalism, broadcast media and special achievement at a private event at the Palace Cafe in New Orleans. Winners will be feted May 3 at the annual awards ceremony and gala reception at Lincoln Center's Avery Fisher Hall in NYC. Congratulations to our local semifinalists.

An Outstanding Restaurateur nominee, out standing in front of one of his many restaurants.

Yep, Tom's in again, and I hope he'll win it. By the way, that was his South Lake Union restaurant-to-be (slated to open in 2011) starring in the "mystery photo" in yesterday's post. And the local nominees are . . .

Outstanding Restaurateur: Tom Douglas (Tom Douglas Restaurants)

Outstanding Chef: Jerry Traunfeld (Poppy)

Outstanding Restaurant: Canlis

Outstanding Wine Service: Canlis

Best New Restaurant: Anchovies & Olives

Outstanding Pastry Chef: James Miller (Cafe Besalu)

Outstanding Wine and Spirits Professional: Alix Golitzin (Quilceda Creek)

Outstanding Service: Cafe Juanita

Best Chef Northwest:

Chris Ainsworth, Saffron Mediterranean Kitchen (Walla Walla)
Kevin Davis, Steelhead Diner
Matt Dillon, The Corson Building
Mark Fuller, Spring Hill
Ethan Stowell, Union
Jason Wilson, Crush
Rachel Yang, Joule