Today in a press release, the James Beard Foundation revealed the semifinalist nominees for the 2024 James Beard Awards.

THE JAMES BEARD AWARDS are the Oscars of food. If you are nominated, the name “James Beard” will appear before yours in your own obituary; the only way out of this is by winning an actual Oscar. Eleven Oregon chefs and restaurants were named semifinalists this morning. Finalists will be announced on April 3, and winners on June 10.

To experience meals as theater — where Oregon’s chefs show off their creative skills and talent in intimate settings — try a tasting menu. At these fine-dining experiences, you sit back and enjoy a series of multiple prearranged courses, a few bites at a time. Each small plate celebrates local agriculture, heritage and seasonal influence and changes frequently. Here’s what to expect at some of Oregon’s most celebrated restaurants with tasting menus in Portland, Ashland and the Willamette Valley — just be sure to make your reservations ahead of time to mark a special occasion or impress your date.

Tucked away in a secluded alley off the main downtown drag, Mas is not a place that one just happens to stumble upon. But seek it out, you definitely should.