Ashley Christensen named finalist for James Beard Foundation's Outstanding Chef award

Raleigh's own Ashley Christensen is a finalist for outstanding chef in the country at the annual James Beard Foundation awards.

The awards are often referred to as "The Oscars of Food," and the Triangle has a legacy of taking home honors. Finalists were announced Wednesday morning.

Christensen owns Poole's,Death and Taxes, Beasley's,andChucks. She was named the WRAL.com Voters' Choice Awards Woman of the Yearin January. She is also a previous James Beard winner, taking home the award for best chef in the southeast in 2014.

Chef Vivian Howard was nominated for best host for her work on PBS' "A Chef's Life." Chef Katie Button of Nightbell in Asheville was nominated for best chef in the Southeast.

The James Beard Foundation announced semi-finalistslast month. The list included a lot of North Carolina talent.

The winners will be announced during a gala at Lyric Opera of Chicago in New York City on May 7.