PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — Two restaurants and two chefs in Rhode Island have been named semi-finalists for the prestigious James Beard Foundation awards.

Persimmon in Bristol is in the running for "Outstanding Service" while its chef, Champe Speidel, is up for "Best Chef" in the Northeast region.

Cook & Brown Public House in Providence was named a finalist for "Outstanding Bar Program."

Chef Matt Jennings of Providence's Farmstead Inc. restaurant was also named a finalist for "Best Chef" in the Northeast.

The James Beard Foundation announced the semi-finalists on Tuesday. The winners will be announced on March 18.