The 2016 James Beard Awards semifinalist list came out this morning, and San Francisco scored an impressive 28 nominations. There were plenty of familiar names—Belinda Leong, Michael Mina, Trick Dog—along with a few newcomers like Liholiho Yacht Club and Aatxe's Ryan Pollnow. Check out the full semifinalist list below:
Best New Restaurant: Cala, Liholiho Yacht Club
Outstanding Baker: Belinda Leong and Michel Suas (B. Patisserie), William Werner (Craftsman and Wolves)
Outstanding Bar Program: Bar Agricole, Trick Dog
Outstanding Chef: Nancy Oakes (Boulevard), Michael Tusk (Quince)
Outstanding Pastry Chef: Melissa Chou (Mourad), Juan Contreras (Atelier Crenn)
Outstanding Restaurant: Acquerello, Foreign Cinema, Restaurant Gary Danko
Outstanding Restaurateur: Michael Mina
Outstanding Service: Quince, Saison
Outstanding Wine Program: Benu, Nopa
Outstanding Wine, Beer, or Spirits Professional: Lance Winters (St. George Spirits)
Rising Star of the Year: Sara Hauman (Huxley), Ryan Pollnow (Aatxe),
Best Chef (West): Matthew Accarrino (SPQR), Dominique Crenn (Atelier Crenn), Mourad Lahlou (Mourad), Corey Lee (Benu), Melissa Perello (Octavia), Joshua Skenes (Saison), James Syhabout (Commis)
For a complete list of semifinalists, check out the list here. Stay tuned for the final nominees list to be released on March 15.
