Portland chefs land James Beard finalist nods

Kale Williams

Close-up of a hand holding a large silver James Beard Foundation medal with a portrait; the hand wears a gold signet ring and a diamond-studded ring, with a purple tie and suit in the background. — Hardware will be given out in June. Photo: Jeff Schear/Getty Images for James Beard Foundation

Several Portland chefs and restaurants were named finalists for this year's James Beard Awards on Tuesday.

The big picture: The names in contention for the industry's highest honors might sound familiar to anyone who follows the Portland culinary scene closely.

Zoom in: Scotch Lodge, the Southeast Portland destination that is much more than a bar, was nominated for Outstanding Bar.

While you can certainly sip on some top-shelf whisky or enjoy an innovative cocktail, the establishment has made a name for itself with its food program.
If you go: Get the pickle spiced fries

Thomas Pisha-Duffly, of Gado Gado, is up for Best Chef: Northwest and Pacific.

The Indonesian-Malaysian fusion restaurant features a choose-your-own-adventure à la carte menu that leans heavily on eccentric pairings.
If you go: Get the roti canai with blistered tomato curry.

Ryan Roadhouse is also a finalist for best regional chef for his work at Nodoguro, one of Portland's top Japanese fine-dining destinations, which relocated downtown last summer.

Nodoguro offers two modern kaiseki dining tracks: Either its signature 15-course sousaku tasting menu with a composed rice dish or a more hardcore 20-plus-course option.
If you go: Let Roadhouse take the wheel and enjoy the ride.

What's next: The winners will be announced June 15 at a ceremony in Chicago.

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Portland chefs land James Beard finalist nods

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