The James Beard Foundation on Wednesday winnowed its list of 2025 award semifinalists down to the finalists, with five Bay Area contenders remaining in the hunt for the prestigious culinary awards.

The winners will be announced June 16 at a live Chicago ceremony.

Here are the semifinalists from this region:

Outstanding Restaurateur

Stuart Brioza and Nicole Krasinski of State Bird Provisions, The Progress and The Anchovy Bar in San Francisco

The chef-spouses have South Bay and East Bay roots. Cupertino native Brioza (who also grew up in Danville) and Los Gatos native Krasinski met at De Anza College in Cupertino, then headed to the Midwest to further their culinary careers before coming back to the Bay Area.

Outstanding Professional in Beverage Service (new category)

Jacob Brown of Lazy Bear in San Francisco

Outstanding Hospitality

Harbor House Inn in Elk, Mendocino County

Best Chef: California

Richard Lee of Saison in San Francisco

Kosuke Tada of Mijoté in San Francisco

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