Earlier today, the James Beard Foundation announced the 2014 JBF Award Nominees in anticipation of the official award ceremony set to take place in NYC on May 2nd and 5th

Sometimes refered to as the Oscars of Food, the James Beard Awards aim to recognize the accomplishements of distinguished professionals throughout the culinary industry, including chefs, restauranteurs, sommeliers, cicerones, restaurant designers and many more. 

Given the rise of Latin American cusine and its countless culinary champions, like previous winners Rick Bayless and Maricel Presilla, many of our favorite Latin restaurants and chefs are represented in this year’s line-up. Here are just a few of the nominees we have are eyes on. Did your favorite make the cut?

For the complete list of the nominees, click here

To Purchase tickets to the 2014 James Beard Awards, Sounds of the City, click here

Best Individual Food Blog:

Homesick Texan

Best Book (Beverage):

New California Wine: A Guide to the Producers and Wines Behind the Revolution in Taste

Best Chef (New York City): 

Dan Kluger of ABC Cocina

Best Chef (Southwest):

Hugo Ortega of Hugo’s Houston

Best New Restaurant:

Coqueta, San Francisco

Estela, NYC 

Outstanding Wine, Beer, or Spirits Professional:

Ron Cooper of Del Maguey Single Village Mezcal, Ranchos de Taos, NM

Outstanding Service:

Topolobampo, Chicago

Outstanding Chef:

David Kinch of Manresa, Los Gatos, CA

Outstanding Restauranteur:

Phil Suarez, Suarez Restaurant Group, NYC (ABC Cocina and others)

Rising Star Chef of the Year

Katie Button of Cúrate, Asheville, NC

Jessica Largey of Manresa, Los Gatos, CA