Though L.A. was conspicuously missing from the “Outstanding Restaurateur” category in the hunt to bring home a James Beard Award, we did find other a plethora of other standouts who survived the first round on the chopping block to be named as semifinalists.

Outstanding Chef

• Suzanne Goin, Lucques, Los Angeles
• Mark Peel, Campanile, Los Angeles

Outstanding Restaurant

• Mélisse, Santa Monica, CA

Rising Star Chef of the Year

• Benjamin Bailly, Petrossian, West Hollywood, CA
• Casey Lane, The Tasting Kitchen, Venice, CA

Best New Restaurant

• Tavern, Los Angeles

Outstanding Wine Service

• Patina, Los Angeles

Outstanding Service

• The Dining Room at the Langham, Pasadena, CA

Best Chef: Pacific

• Michael Cimarusti, Providence, Los Angeles
• Josiah Citrin, Mélisse, Santa Monica, CA
• David Kinch, Manresa, Los Gatos, CA
• Andrew Kirschner, Wilshire, Santa Monica, CA
• David LeFevre, Water Grill, Los Angeles
• Matt Molina, Osteria Mozza, Los Angeles
• John Rivera Sedlar, Rivera, Los Angeles
• Craig Strong, Studio at Montage Laguna Beach, Laguna Beach, CA

The next challenge will be to survive the chopping block to make it to the finalist round on March 22, and then on to claim the grand prize at the official awards ceremony on May 3 in New York City.