The James Beard Foundation has announced their official contenders for the 2017 Awards. They’ve whittled down the list of semifinalists and a handful of Boston names are in the running. Give a round of applause to Karen Akunowicz (Myers + Chang), Cassie Piuma (Sarma) and Susan Regis (Shepard) in the Best Chef: Northeast category. And raise a glass to Ken Oringer (Uni, Coppa, Toro, Little Donkey) for inclusion in the Outstanding Restaurateur category and Maura Kilpatrick (Oleana) in Outstanding Pastry Chef.  Stay tuned for the winners, coming in May.

Best Chef: Northeast – Karen Akunowicz, Cassie Piuma, Susan Regis
Outstanding Restaurateur – Ken Oringer
Outstanding Pastry Chef – Maura Kilpatrick