It’s that time of year again, where the James Beard Foundation announces their semifinalists for the 2012 awards, which recognizes the nation's best restaurants and chefs in the industry. From Best New Restaurant to Outstanding Restauranteur, only five semifinalists from each of the categories will go on to the finals.

It is no surprise to see Danny Bowien from Mission Chinese Food in San Francisco facing Emma Hearst from Sorella in New York City for Rising Star Chefs for an east versus west coast battle. The competition is tight this year and we are unsure on who will make it to the final round. Unfortunately, New York didn’t make it on the Outstanding Wine Program list.

 

Here’s who has our vote for our favorite New York City Picks:

Best New Restaurant

Tertulia

Outstanding Bar Program

PDT

Outstanding Chef

Daniel Humm, Eleven Madison

Outstanding Pastry Chef

Bob Truitt, Ai Fiori

Outstanding Restaurant

Blue Hill

Outstanding Restaurateur

Bruce Bromberg and Eric Bromberg, Blue Ribbon Restaurants

Outstanding Service

Picholine

Outstanding Wine & Spirits Professional

Garrett Oliver, Brooklyn Brewery

Rising Star Chef of the Year

Emma Hearst, Sorella

Best Chef: NYC

Michael Anthony

 

Check out the entire list here!