Two Hudson Valley chefs are among more than a dozen chefs vying for Best Chef in New York.

They made it as semi-finalists in the James Beard Foundation's Restaurant and Chef Awards.

Chef Anthony Gonçalves is one of the top contenders. He is a chef at Kanopi, which is a Portuguese restaurant in White Plains.

Gonçalves, and his wife Andreia take pride in cooking seasonal menus consisting of old-world flavors and local farm-fresh ingredients.

Chef Paolo Garcia Mendoza is one of the creative minds behind Karenderya, a Filipino inspired restaurant in Nyack.

Mendoza was inspired by cooking shows growing up and is most passionate about the flavors of Southeast Asia.

Winners of the competition show exceptional talent and creativity in their craft and commendable leadership.