From Houston To New Orleans, Southern Talent Shined At The 2026 James Beard Awards

From Houston To New Orleans, Southern Talent Shined At The 2026 James Beard Awards

The South earned seven awards in a variety of categories.Credit: Jeff Schear/Getty ImagesOn Monday, the James Beard Foundation announced its 2026 restaurant and chef awards during a ceremony at the Lyric Opera of Chicago hosted by Top Chef judge Gail Simmons. Since 1991, the annual event (often dubbed the “Oscars of the food world”) has highlighted exceptional food, service, and beverages throughout the United States. Seven of this year’s winner…

Three Texas chefs won James Beard Awards and here’s who they are

The culinary world’s equivalent of the Oscars was announced on Monday, and three Texas chefs were among the winners in 25 categories of restaurants and chefs honored at the ceremony for the James Beard Awards in Chicago. Adrian Torres, of Maximo in West University Place in Houston, was named Best Emerging Chef and Evelyn Garcia and Henry Lu, of JŪN, also in Houston, were named Best Chef in Texas. While they didn’t come away with the top prize th…

Three Houston chefs recognized at 2026 James Beard Awards

Adrian Torres of Maximo was named Best Emerging Chef, while Evelyn Garcia and Henry Lu of JŪN won the Best Chef in Texas category.

Houston Shines at James Beard Awards 2026

Houston comes away with a trio of honors from the James Beard Awards 2026.

Austin left out as Houston chefs rep Texas at 2026 James Beard Awards

Austin didn't win anything while Houston had a historic night at the James Beard Awards held Monday, June 15, at the Lyric Opera of Chicago. Two of Houston’s six finalists took home prizes for a national award and Best Chef: Texas. Austin chef Tavel Bristol-Joseph was a finalist for his San Antonio dessert restaurant Nicosi.

San Antonio earns two James Beard finalists; Houston DACA recipient named Emerging Chef

Two San Antonio culinary standouts were finalists at the James Beard Awards, while Houston chef Adrian Torres won the Emerging Chef award and spoke about his experience as a DACA recipient.