The James Beard Awards, one of the greatest honors in the restaurant business, announced thirteen Houston-area eateries, chefs, and restaurateurs as semifinalists on Wednesday.
The news coincides with the 35th anniversary of the James Beard Foundation’s awards, which honor outstanding restaurants around the nation. Three new categories—Best New Bar, Outstanding Professional in Beverage Service, and Outstanding Professional in Cocktail Service—are being added to this year’s awards.
“This year brings renewed energy to the Restaurant and Chef Awards, as we shine a spotlight on the exciting talent shaping American food culture as well as beverage, which is a focus for us,” said Dawn Padmore, vice president of awards at the James Beard Foundation, in a news release on Wednesday.
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The following names from the Houston area are up for an award this year:
- Itai Ben Eli and Itamar Levy, Sof Hospitality Group (Hamsa, Badolina Bakery and Doris Metropolitan), Houston
- Sara Stayer and Martin Stayer (Nobie s, Toasted Coconut and Nonno s), Houston
- Suu Khin, Burmalicious, Houston
- Ema, Houston
- Koffeteria, Houston
- March, Houston
- Andres Blanco, Le Jardinier, Houston
- Ope Amosu, Ch pnBl k, Houston
- Thomas Bille, Belly of the Beast, Spring
- Emmanuel Chavez, Tatem , Houston
- Evelyn Garcia, J n, Houston
- Beatriz Martines, Xalisko, The Woodlands
- David Skinner, Ishtia, Kemah
According to the foundation, the James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards celebration in Chicago on June 16 will reveal the winners. Finalists will be notified on April 2.
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According to Clare Reichenbach, CEO of the James Beard Foundation, the James Beard Awards have been a symbol of American culinary culture and its extraordinary talent for 35 years.
She noted that what started out as a celebration of culinary accomplishment has developed into a platform that is pushing chefs and the larger culinary industry to reach new heights of excellence. As we celebrate this milestone, we remain dedicated to our goal of having a thriving independent restaurant business that supports a better food system and is a pillar of American culture, community, and economy.
