THE local food scene's equivalent of the Oscars, the World Gourmet Summit (WGS) Awards of Excellence, are back for the eighth year, with a list of finalists that reads like a familiar, much-sampled menu.

Almost two-thirds of the finalists in the 14 categories have made the final cut in previous years.

Each category has three or four finalists.

Mr Francis Poulose, managing director of Peter Knipp Holdings, co-organiser of the WGS, says the number of returning finalists is 'slightly higher' than last year's.

He adds, however: 'The repeat finalists are simply being recognised as the best of their class and continue to stay at the top of their game.'

The awards honour both chefs and restaurants here for their culinary achievements and are one of the highlights of the annual three-week gastronomic event to be held here in April.

Familiar names up for spots on this year's roll of honour include chef Sam Leong of the Tung Lok Group of Restaurants. He was awarded Asian Ethnic Chef of the Year in 2001, 2002 and 2004, as well as Executive Chef of the Year and Chef of the Year in 2005. He is one of three finalists vying for Chef of the Year 2008.

Likewise, chef Roberto Galetti of Garibaldi in Purvis Street, who was a finalist for Chef of the Year 2007, is up for the same title again this year.

As for the title of Rising Chef of the Year, chef Jusman So, 29, of Sage, finds himself on the rising tide two years in a row - he was a finalist for the same title last year.

Still, he says: 'The repeat nomination means that my efforts are being recognised. I'm glad for the second chance.'

The list of finalists were determined by a two-round process. In the first round, 250 gourmets here were approached for their wine and dine favourites.

The long list was whittled down by a second panel of 100 judges. The awardees will be decided by a panel of 50 connoisseurs and announced on April 12.

Newcomers to the list include chef Alexandre Lozachmeur, 27, of Mandarin Oriental's Mediterranean restaurant Dolce Vita, who is up for Rising Chef of the Year.

He said: 'This is the first time I've been nominated for any culinary award so it's good news. It means people here enjoy what I serve at the restaurant.'

Chef Michael Muller, 32, of modern French restaurant, Jaan, at Swissotel The Stamford completes the list of finalists for Rising Chef of the Year.

Another new finalist is Majestic Restaurant in New Majestic Hotel. Its executive chef Yong Bing Ngen is a finalist for Asian Ethnic Chef of the Year, while the restaurant is up for New Restaurant of the Year.

On being nominated, hotel director Loh Lik Peng, 36, said: 'It's certainly an encouragement to win more awards and expand our business.'

As for Chef So, he also has a chance to taste first-time success - his modern European restaurant in Unity Street is a finalist for New Restaurant of the Year.