Download the nationwide list here, but here are the Chicago semifinalist honorees. Finalists will be announced March 18.

Best new restaurant:
-- Balena
-- Grace
Outstanding bar:
-- The Aviary
-- The Violet Hour
Outstanding chef:
-- Paul Kahan at Blackbird
Outstanding pastry chef:
-- Patrick Fahy at Sixteen (Trump Hotel)
Outstanding restaurant:
-- Naha, Spiaggia
Outstanding restaurateur:
-- Donnie Madia, One Off Hospitality Group (Blackbird, avec, the Publican, etc.)
Outstanding service:
-- Topolobampo
Outstanding wine program:
-- Sepia
Rising star chef of the year:
-- Jimmy Bannos Jr. at the Purple Pig
-- Matthew Kirkley, L2O
-- David Posey, Blackbird
Best chef, Great Lakes:
-- Dave Beran, Next
-- Michael Carlson, Schwa
-- Paul Fehribach, Big Jones
-- Stephanie Izard, Girl & the Goat
-- Matthias Merges, Yusho
-- Chris Nugent, Goosefoot
-- Giuseppe Tentori, Boka
-- Paul Virant, Perennial Virant
-- Andrew Zimmerman, Sepia