7 Washington culinary hotshots are still in the running for a 2024 James Beard Award

The race for top prizes in the 2024 James Beard Awards has gotten tighter, leaving just seven culinary heroes from Washington state still in the running.

Semifinalists for the coveted foodie awards were announced in January and included plenty of Seattle-area representation — 14 chefs and restaurateurs were nominated. That list has been whittled down. Now, seven contestants from Washington state remain in four categories (including a mix of chefs, restaurants, and restaurateurs).

RELATED: There are as many pho restaurants as Starbucks coffee shops in Seattle. Here's why

Outstanding Restaurateur

Quynh-Vy and Yenvy Pham who operate Phở Bắc Súp Shop, Phởcific Standard Time, and The Boat in Seattle.

They are up against four other restaurateurs from Colorado, New Hampshire, Michigan, and Washington, D.C.

Emerging Chef

Janet Becerra from Pancita in Seattle. They're up against four other chefs from New York, South Carolina, and Washington, D.C.

Best New Restaurant

Bar Bacetto in Waitsburg, Washington. This is located roughly 22 miles northeast of Walla Walla. Bar Bacetto is competing against 10 other restaurants, including Hayward in McMinnville, Oregon.

Best Chef: Northwest and Pacific (Alaska, Hawaii, Oregon, Washington)

Three Washington chefs made this list in 2024: Avery Adams from Matia Kitchen on Orcas Island, Kristi Brown from Communion in Seattle, and Melissa Miranda from Musang in Seattle.

Seattle is facing off with two Oregon chefs this time around: Josh Dorcak from MÄS in Ashland, and Gregory Gourdet from kann in Portland.

See the full list of James Beard Award finalists here.

In 2023, six bars and restaurants made the lists of semifinalists for the James Beard Awards. No one from Washington took home the final prize.