A round of virtual applause for this year’s semifinalists for the 2015 James Beard Awards. The lengthy list, which will be pared down to the final list of contenders on Tuesday, March 24th, includes more than a little local talent. Check out these Boston-based potential award-winners – chefs, sommeliers, mixologists and managers – so you can say you knew them before they hit the big time.

Michael Scelfo’s Alden & Harlow may be in the running for Best New Restaurant.

Joanne Chang could be named Outstanding Baker of the year for her cookery at Flour.

Jackson Cannon and his team at The Hawthorne may just take the title in the Outstanding Bar Program category.

Oleana’s Ana Sortun is up for Outstanding Chef while sweets maven Maura Kilpatrick is among the possibilities for this year’s Outstanding Pastry Chef.

In a study in contrasts, both L’Espalier and Strip T’s are among the nominees for Outstanding Service.

Troquet is on the list for Outstanding Wine Program.

Mei Mei’s Max Hull and Irene Li are possible candidates for Rising Star Chef.

Michael Leviton of Area Four, A4 Pizza and Lumiere is one of the possible title-takers in the Outstanding Restaurateur category. He’s be competing against industry vet Garrett Harker of Eastern Standard, Island Creek Oyster Bar, The Hawthorne and Row 34.

Vying for the title of Best Chef Northeast are a few familiar faces:
Karen Akunowicz of Myers + Chang, Alex Crabb of Asta, Barry Maiden of Hungry Mother and State Park, Tim Maslow of Ribelle, Michael Pagliarini of Giulia and Cassie Piuma of Sarma.

Check out the whole list here, then check back with us for more details as the finalists are announced and as the Awards themselves, scheduled for Monday, May 4th, draw closer.