BALTIMORE, MD — Baltimore has two semifinalists up for the 2020 James Beard Awards. Known as the "Oscars of the culinary world," the awards recognize people and establishments that promote culinary excellence.

This year Clavel Mezcaleria is again a contender in the "Outstanding Bar Program" category, while Chef Cindy Wolf is up for "Best Chef in the Mid-Atlantic."

Clavel Mezcaleria , a taqueria in Remington, is among 20 recognized for providing "exceptional care and skill in the selection, preparation, and serving of cocktails, spirits and/or beer," according to the James Beard Foundation.

Outstanding Bar Program

Anvil Bar & Refuge, Houston

The Atomic Lounge, Birmingham, AL

The Baldwin Bar, Woburn, MA

Bar Leather Apron, Honolulu

Clavel Mezcaleria, Baltimore

Colita, Minneapolis

Existing Conditions, NYC

Expatriate, Portland, OR

Horse Inn, Lancaster, PA

Kimball House, Decatur, GA

La Factoría, San Juan, PR

Las Almas Rotas, Dallas

Leyenda, Brooklyn, NY

Little Rituals, Phoenix

Lost Lake, Chicago

OTOTO, Los Angeles

Novare Res Bier Café, Portland, ME

Sugar House, Detroit

Trick Dog, San Francisco

Williams & Graham, Denver

Wolf is up for best chef in the Mid-Atlantic, a category in which she has been a finalist multiple times.

There are 12 regions for the "Best Chef" category, and best chef semifinalists "set high culinary standards and also demonstrate integrity and admirable leadership skills in their respective regions," according to the James Beard Foundation. To qualify, chefs must have been in the field as a chef for at least five years, including three regionally.