The James Beard Awards are among the most prestigious of recognitions in the culinary world. It is considered an enormous honor just to be nominated. The list of 2018 nominations was recently announced and, like most years, it’s no big surprise that Northern California is representing.

The award ceremony takes place on May 7, 2018 at the Lyric Opera of Chicago.  We wanted to take a minute to congratulate this year’s Bay Area nominees. Plus, consider this your go-to list for upcoming dinner reservations!

2018 James Beard Nominees:

Outstanding Baker
Belinda Leong and Michel Suas, B. Patisserie, San Francisco

Outstanding Bar Program
Bar Agricole, San Francisco
Trick Dog, San Francisco

Outstanding Chef
Christopher Kostow: The Restaurant at Meadowood, St. Helena, CA

Outstanding Restaurant
Quince, San Francisco

Outstanding Service
Saison, San Francisco
Zuni Café, San Francisco

Outstanding Wine Program
Benu, San Francisco

Outstanding Wine Professional
Cathy Corison: Corison Winery, St. Helena

Best Chef: West
Dominique Crenn: Atelier Crenn, San Francisco

Journalism
San Francisco Chronicle: Paolo Lucchesi and the San Francisco Chronicle Food and Wine Team

Restaurant Design
In Situ, San Francisco