Two Orange County restaurants and one chef were recognized as semifinalists in the prestigious James Beard Awards honoring industry professionals, the Beard Foundation announced Wednesday.

Studio at the Montage Resort in Laguna Beach will compete in the outstanding wine program category and Marche Moderne will be a contender in the outstanding service race. (Marche is currently closed as it is relocating from Costa Mesa to Newport Beach. It is scheduled to reopen this spring.)

Chef Carlos Salgado of Taco Maria in Costa Mesa was singled out for best chef: west, a category that also lists Los Angeles superstars Ludo Lefebvre of Trois Mec and Michael Cimarusti of Providence.

Finalists will be announced March 15. Awards will be presented at a gala May 1 at the Lyric Opera of Chicago.

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