Local restaurant Cafe Juanita was named semi-finalist for “Outstanding Service” in the prestigious 2009 James Beard Awards recently. The Kirkland restaurant, along with Seattle’s Canlis and 18 other restaurants, will be pared down to five nominees March 23 and the winner will be announced at an annual awards ceremony May 4 in New York City.

Last year, Cafe Juanita chef/owner Holly Smith was awarded “Best Chef: Northwest.”