PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Dozens of people and places in Oregon’s lauded culinary scene have become semifinalists for the 2025 James Beard Awards.

For the 35th year, the James Beard Foundation is doling out nominations to standouts in the food and drink industry — much like the Portland-born chef who inspired the organization.

“What began as a celebration of culinary achievement has evolved into a platform leading chefs and the broader culinary industry towards a new standard of excellence,” James Beard Foundation CEO Clare Reichenbach said in a statement. “As we mark this milestone, we are committed to our vision of a vibrant independent restaurant industry that stands as a cornerstone of American culture, community and economy, and drives towards a better food system.”

The nonprofit selected two Portland restaurateurs, Sarah Minnick of Lovely’s Fifty Fifty and Gabriel Rucker of Le Pigeon, as semifinalists for the Outstanding Chef category. The award will go to the individual who establishes high standards at their businesses and who has set a positive example for others in their industry.

Both Minnick and Rucker have received previous nods from the James Beard Foundation.

“New American” eatery Coquine was the only Portland semifinalist in the organization’s Outstanding Restaurant category, which recognizes restaurants that showcase excellence in food, atmosphere, hospitality and operations.

Local sweet treat spot JinJu Patisserie was named a semifinalist for Outstanding Bakery, while whiskey bar Scotch Lodge nabbed a spot in the Outstanding Bar category.

But for the first time, the James Beard Awards have named semifinalists in three new drink-related categories: Best New Bar, Outstanding Professional in Beverage Service and Outstanding Professional in Cocktail Service.

Joel Gunderson, a sommelier with Portland wine bar Heavenly Creatures, was recognized as one of several Outstanding Professionals in Beverage Service. This will go to an individual who “has set high standards; demonstrates creativity and consistency in excellence, innovation, hospitality; is making efforts to create a sustainable work culture; and has served as an exceptional example or mentor for other beverage professionals.”

Additionally, the award program offers regional Best Chef awards. Seven Oregonians were recognized among the Pacific Northwest’s top chefs.

• Joshua Dorcak, MÄS, Ashland, OR
• Isaiah Martinez, Yardy Rum Bar, Eugene, OR
• Thomas Pisha-Duffly, Gado Gado, Portland, OR
• Ryan Roadhouse, Nodoguro, Portland, OR
• Sarah Schafer, Humble Spirit, McMinnville, OR
• Kari Shaughnessy, Hayward, McMinnville, OR
• Timothy Wastell, Antica Terra, Amity, OR

The James Beard Foundation will announce its Restaurant and Chef Award nominees on Wednesday, Apr. 2. The ceremony is slated for Monday, June 16 at Chicago’s Lyric Opera.

Kann chef Gregory Gourdet and Thai restaurant Langbaan nabbed trophies during the 2024 event.