Congrats to the finalists for the 2015 James Beard Awards! Among the contenders for the industry’s top honors are Boston-based cookers Karen Akunowicz of Myers + Chang, Barry Maiden of Hungry Mother and State Park and Cassie Piuma of Sarma all of whom are vying for Best Chef Northeast. Joanne Chang is in the running for Outstanding Baker for her handiwork at Flour and Maura Kilpatrick of Oleana is up for Outstanding Pastry Chef. Chef Jeremy Sewall and co-author Erin Byers Murray got a nod for their collaborative efforts in The New England Kitchen: Fresh Takes on Seasonal Recipes. You can peruse the full list of nominees here while you get ready for the awards ceremony which will be held at Lyric Opera of Chicago on Monday, May 4th.