The culinary stars are aligning for the Bay Area, as the James Beard Foundation announced its 2024 award finalists, with six Northern California semifinalists securing their spots. Among them, the new kids on the block, Chez Noir in Carmel-by-the-Sea, helmed by chef Johnny Black and wife Monique Black, snagged a nod for Best New Restaurant. According to a report by Eater SF, this unfortunately means San Francisco's own Kiln didn't cut to make it to the next judging stage.

The Best Chef: California category is a hotly contested field, with Geoff Davis of Burdell in Oakland, Buu “Billy” Ngo of Sacramento's Kru, and Rogelio Garcia from Auro in Calistoga all hoping to win the prize. Meanwhile, those with a discerning palate for spirits and wines have reason to celebrate. San Francisco's Pacific Cocktail Haven and the Morris are finalists in the Outstanding Bar and Outstanding Wine and Other Beverages Program categories.

On the broader stage of influence, Mai Nguyen of Sebastopol has been recognized for her pivotal role in heritage wheat cultivation and excellence in pushing for a more equitable ecological food system. As stated by the James Beard Foundation, their work through Minnow to secure land tenure for California's farmers of color and Indigenous communities has not gone unnoticed.

Revising traditions and bettering inclusivity was the menu of the day as the prominent food organization, post-audit, decided to stop including past winners in the voting body and scrapped the age limit on the emerging chef award. "Congratulations to all of our esteemed honorees and nominees on this remarkable achievement," Clare Reichenbach, CEO of the James Beard Foundation, expressed in an announcement captured by the foundation. "Your vision, and continued dedication to excellence—both on and beyond the plate—make you true leaders of American culinary. Thank you for all you are doing to set a better standard for our industry and broader food system."

The James Beard Awards, hailed as the Oscars of the food world, have long marked distinction in the culinary and food media industries. Reichenbach emphasized the organization's commitment to "Good Food for Good®," highlighting the importance of supporting the independent restaurant industry. The winners will be crowned at a gala ceremony in Chicago on June 10, sparking excitement and anticipation amongst foodies and chefs alike. For the full list of nominees and the burgeoning anticipation for the awards, food enthusiasts can head over to the Eater SF article for an in-depth scoop.