Two O.C. chefs are semifinalists for the title of Best Chef in California from the James Beard Foundation’s 2023 Restaurant and Chef Awards. Michael Reed from Anaheim’s Poppy & Seed—which was honored as one of Orange Coast’s Best New Restaurants in 2022—and Carlos Salgado of Costa Mesa’s Taco María, one of the three Michelin-star-rated restaurants in O.C., made the exclusive list announced last week.
You can read more here about the seasonality Reed displays at Poppy & Seed, adjacent to the Anaheim Packing House. If you haven’t had a chance to check it out, head over there for spring.
We’re also big fans of many dishes at Taco María including this enfrijolada.
We’re delighted to see Orange County chefs being recognized for their stellar talent, and we can’t wait to see more from Reed, Salgado, and others. The James Beard winners will be announced June 5. Meanwhile, keep an eye out for Orange Coast’s Best New Restaurants issue in April. The next group of artists to watch will certainly be on that list!
