By Kathy Stephenson

| The Salt Lake Tribune

Three chefs and distillery from Utah have been named semifinalists for the 2012 James Beard Foundation Awards, the nation’s most prestigious recognition program for professionals in the food and beverage industry.

Bowman Brown and Viet Pham, chef/owners of Forage in Salt Lake City are among 21 semifinalists in the "Best Chef: Southwest" category. John Murcko, the executive corporate chef at Talisker resort — which includes the Talisker on Main restaurant in Park City — also is named in the category.

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High West Distillery and Saloon, Park City, is one of 26 semifinalists for "Outstanding Bar Program." This is a new category for 2012, which recognizes a restaurant or bar for excellence in cocktail, spirits, and/or beer service.

The foundation will announced the five finalists in each of the 20 restaurant and chef categories on Monday, March 19.

Final winners will then be honored on Monday, May 7 in a special ceremony in New York City.

To see this year’s full semifinalist list, visit: jamesbeard.org/awards.

Family garden night

Tour the greenhouse at the Utah State University Botanical Center in Kaysville with manager Richard Anderson.

Adults and children will learn the proper way to plant seeds and go home with a newly planted seed in a pot.

When » Monday, Feb. 27, 6 to 8 p.m.

Where » Utah State University Botanical Center, 725 South Sego Lily Dr., Kaysville

Cost » $3 per person

Details » 801-593-8969

Meet the producers

More than 30 Utah farmers, bakers, ranchers and artisan food producers from the Park City area will gather for a "Meet the Producers" night. Sample some of the products and learn how to join local Community Supported Agriculture programs. Bring a mug from home for a free taste of homemade soup. Sponsored by Slow Food Park City.

When » Thursday, March 1, 7 to 9 p.m.

Where » Swaner Eco-Center, 1258 Center Drive, Kimball Junction