James Beard Awards: Portland Restaurants Shine As Semi-Finalists Announced

The James Beard Awards - the Oscars of the food world - has announced the semi-finalists for this years awards. Once again, Portland chefs, restaurants and food figures, make a big splash.

Portland is on the list of nominees 16 times - second in the Northwest to Seattle's 17.

Castagna in Southeast Portland makes a big splash with chef Justin Woodward getting a nod as Best Chef in the Northwest and Monique Siu - who owns Castagna and Cafe Castagna getting named a semifinalist as Outstanding Restaurateur .

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She'll be going up against the owners some of the best restaurants in the country.

Woodward is on the list along with: Jose Chesa of Ataula; Christina Luu of Ha VL; Joshua McFadden at Ava Gene's; Katy Millard of Coquine; Sarah Piner of Aviary; and Ryan Roadhouse of Nodoguru.

This is Woodward's third straight year as a semi-finalist. He was also a semi-finalist as Rising Star Chef in 2013.

Other Portland places to make it as a semifinalist are: Han Oak as Best New Restaurant; Ken Forkish of Ken's Artisan Bakery as Outstanding Baker; Clyde Common for Outstanding Bar Program; Le Pigeon's Gabriel Rucker for Outstanding Chef; Ilma Lopez from Piccolo and Kristen Murray from Maurice as Outstanding Pastry Chef; Maya Lovelace of Mac for Rising Star Chef; and Steve McCarty of Clear Creek Distillery for Outstanding Wine, Spirits, or Beer Professional.

The list of finalists will be announced on March 15 in Lost Angeles and the 27th annual awards will be presented on April 25th in New York City.