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Today the James Beard Foundation released its list of semifinalists in the 2015 Restaurant and Chef Awards via livestream. Over the next month, this "long list" will be pared down to a short list of nominees. With the tag team of Andrew Taylor and Mike Wiley representing one "best chef" semifinalist, Maine is technically represented eleven times in the prestigious line-up. How many of these worthy candidates will make it to the next round? Who has the best shot at going all the way?
Here are the local heroes:
Best New Restaurant
Central Provisions, Portland
Outstanding Baker
Alison Pray, Standard Baking Co., Portland
Outstanding Bar Program
Portland Hunt + Alpine Club, Portland
Outstanding Restaurant
Fore Street, Portland
Outstanding Wine, Beer, or Spirits Professional
Rob Tod, Allagash Brewing Company, Portland
Rising Star of the Year
Cara Stadler, Tao Yuan, Brunswick
Best Chef: Northeast
Brian Hill, Francine Bistro, Camden
Masa Miyake, Miyake, Portland
Ravin Nakjaroen, Long Grain, Camden
Andrew Taylor and Mike Wiley, Eventide Oyster Co., Portland
On Tuesday, March 24, the next round will be announced. Finally, the winners of the Book, Broadcast & Journalism Awards will be honored at a dinner on Friday, April 24 at Pier Sixty in New York City. The winners of the Chef and Restaurant awards will be announced at the official Awards Gala & Reception on Monday, May 4, 2015 at the Lyric Opera of Chicago. This is the first time the awards will take place outside of New York City.