The James Beard Foundation has announced the contenders for their 2018 awards. See which hometown heroes made the list of semifinalists in national categories like Outstanding Restaurant and Outstanding Wine Program, and which two empire-building restaurateurs are in the running for top honors. There are plenty of familiar names and faces from in and around Boston. Scroll down for some highlights or peep the whole list here. Finalists will be announced starting at 9:30am on Twitter on Wednesday, March 14th and winners will be crowned at the James Beard Awards Gala on Monday, May 7th.

Best New Restaurant
Les Sablons in Cambridge, MA

Outstanding Baker
(Presented by Taylor Precision Products)
Maura Kilpatrick of Sofra Bakery and Café in Cambridge

Outstanding Bar Program
(Presented by Woodford Reserve Bourbon)
The Baldwin Bar in Woburn

Outstanding Chef
(Presented by All-Clad Metalcrafters)
Joanne Chang of Flour Bakery + Cafe and Myers + Chang in Boston

Outstanding Pastry Chef
(Presented by Lavazza)
Renae Connolly of Benedetto in Cambridge

Outstanding Restaurant
(Presented by S.Pellegrino® Sparkling Natural Mineral Water)
O Ya in Boston

Outstanding Restaurateur
Garrett Harker, Boston of Eastern Standard, The Hawthorne, Island Creek Oyster Bar, Row 34 and Les Sablons
Ken Oringer of Uni, Little Donkey, Toro and Coppa

Outstanding Service
Eastern Standard Kitchen & Drinks in Boston

Outstanding Wine Program
(Presented by Robert Mondavi Winery)
Grill 23 & Bar in Boston
Taberna de Haro in Brookline

Outstanding Wine, Beer, or Spirits Professional
JC Tetreault and Esther Tetreault of Trillium Brewing Company

Rising Star Chef of the Year
(Presented by S.Pellegrino® Sparkling Natural Mineral Water)
Irene Li of Mei Mei in Boston
Juan Pedrosa of Yvonne’s in Boston

Best Chef: Northeast
Karen Akunowicz of Myers + Chang in Boston
Tiffani Faison of Tiger Mama in Boston
Seizi Imura of Cafe Sushi in Cambridge
Tony Messina of Uni in Boston
Cassie Piuma of Sarma in Somerville