Six Austin chefs and restaurants named James Beard semifinalists

• Plus, baker Mariela Camacho of Comadre Panadería is a semifinalist in the "Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker" category.
• Downtown Mexican restaurant La Condesa is nominated in the "Outstanding Restaurant" category, and East Austin's Suerte made the "Outstanding Wine and Other Beverages Program" category.

Why it matters: The James Beards are the Oscars of the food world, and our continued recognition by the culinary awards reminds the nation that Austin's food scene is flourishing.

Flashback: Four Austin chefs were named as semifinalists last year, and Edgar Rico of Nixta Taqueria and Iliana de la Vega of El Naranjo took home the award.

What's next: James Beard nominees will be announced on Mar. 29, and winners will be celebrated at a June 5 awards ceremony in Chicago.