The James Beard Foundation Awards unveiled its list of finalists Monday afternoon with several Seattle standouts getting the coveted JBF nod. 

Rachel Yang and Seif Chirchi are recognized in the Best Chef Northwest category for Joule. Finally, to no ones surprise, Canlis moves forward in the Outstanding Hospitality category.

In addition, Rupee Bar in Ballard is on the list for best restaurant design. Unfortunately, you won’t be able to experience Rupee’s design as we all shelter in place. But don’t let that stop you from ordering their Sri Lankan-inspired take-away options. Of course, the same goes for Joule and Canlis. 

The initial list of James Beard Foundation Awards semifinalist consisted of nearly 20 well-deserving Seattle chefs and restaurants.

Now, as the JBF awards moves on to the final stage, we’ll have to wait until September 25 to see if Seattle can claim one of these top spots:

Best Chef Northwest
Rachel Yang and Seif Chirchi, Joule

Outstanding Hospitality
Canlis

Best Restaurant Design
Rupee Bar

On the whole, curious who the other contenders are in the Best Chef Northwest category?

Best Chef: Northwest & Pacific (AK, HI, OR, WA)

Peter Cho: Han Oak
Portland, OR

Gregory Gourdet: Departure
Portland, OR

Chris Kajioka and Anthony Rush: Senia
Honolulu

Katy Millard: Coquine
Portland, OR

Kristen Murray: MÅURICE
Portland, OR

Rachel Yang and Seif Chirchi: Joule
Seattle

Curious who might be going up against the vaulted Canlis for Outstanding Hospitality?

Outstanding Hospitality

Brigtsen’s – New Orleans

Canlis – Seattle

Saison – San Francisco

Swan Oyster Depot – San Francisco

Zingerman’s Roadhouse – Ann Arbor, MI

Similarly, what about those restaurant designs (75 seats or under)?

Restaurant Design Awards

Firms: SIMPLICITY
Project: HALL by o.d.o

Firms: Heliotrope Architects
Project: Rupee, Seattle

Firms: Spoonbill Watering Hole and Restaurant, Flywheel Co. and Vermillion Architects, LLC
Project: Spoonbill Watering Hole and Restaurant, Lafayette, LA

The full James Beard Foundation Award finalist cane be found here.