New Orleans almost always makes a splash at the James Beard Foundation’s annual Restaurant and Chef Awards, which recognize excellence in America’s culinary scene. This year’s list of semifinalists features plenty of old favorites and rising stars, with a whopping 30% of all slots in the Best Chef: South category going to chefs from the Crescent City.

Shaya was named Best New Restaurant at last year’s James Beard Awards, while Justin Deviller of La Petite Grocery was named Best Chef: South.

The final list of James Beard Award nominees will be unveiled on Wednesday, March 15, with the ceremony itself taking place at the Lyric Opera of Chicago on Monday, May 1.

Here’s a look at the New Orleans semifinalists:

 

Best New Restaurant:

Turkey and the Wolf

 

Outstanding Bar Program:

Arnaud’s French 75 Bar

Cure

 

Outstanding Chef

Donald Link, Herbsaint

 

Outstanding Pastry Chef

Kelly Fields, Willa Jean

 

Outstanding Restaurateur

JoAnn Clevenger, Upperline

 

Outstanding Service

Brigsten’s

Galatoire’s Restaurant

 

Outstanding Wine Program

Bacchanal Fine Wine & Spirits

Emeril’s

 

Rising Star Chef of the Year

Zachary Engel, Shaya

Martha Wiggins, Sylvain

 

Best Chef: South

Nina Compton, Compère Lapin

Michael Gulotta, MoPho

Slade Rushing, Brennan’s

Michael Stoltzfus and Kristen Essig, Coquette

Isaac Toups, Toups’ Meatery

Rebecca Wilcomb, Herbsaint