The finalists for the annual James Beard Awards were announced this morning. Some of our personal favorites among the nominees include:

An heirloom tomato salad from the Highlands Bar and Grill of Birmingham, AL.

An heirloom tomato salad from the Highlands Bar and Grill of Birmingham, AL

Jim Lahey of Sullivan Street Bakery in NYC for Outstanding Baker; Highlands Bar and Grill of Birmingham AL and Blue Hill at Stone Barns of Tarrytown NY for Outstanding Restaurant; JoAnn Clevenger of New Orleans’ Upperline and Cindy Pawlcyn of Napa’s Mustards Grill for Outstanding Restaurateur; Topolobampo of Chicago for Outstanding Service; Bern’s Steak House of Tampa and FIG of Charleston SC for Outstanding Wine Program; Slade Rushing of Brennan’s in New Orleans for Best Chef: South; and Jason Stanhope of FIG for Best Chef: Southeast.

FIG's tomato tarte tatin

FIG’s tomato tarte tatin

See the entire list of finalists here. The awards ceremony, hosted by Alton Brown in Chicago, will take place on May 4th.