TEXAS — On Wednesday, an announcement from the James Beard Foundation revealed its 2023 semifinalists for restaurant and chef awards. The James Beard Awards recognizes culinary geniuses in their field of expertise. It’s of great national honor to be considered for a James Beard Award.

“Congratulations to all our 2023 James Beard Award Semifinalists! This is always an exhilarating moment as we kick off the Awards cycle and recognize the outstanding achievements of individuals and teams across the country,” said Clare Reichenbach, CEO of the James Beard Foundation. “After a year of fundamental changes, we look forward to building on the progress made, celebrating those paving a better future for us all—through their talent and craft, service to others, and commitment to a better, more sustainable industry. We look forward to sharing more exciting details for the 2023 ceremonies in the coming days.”

Nominees will be announced on March 29, and the official celebration begins June 5 at the Lyric Opera of Chicago. Established in 1990 and first awarded in 1991, the James Beard Awards celebrates the culinary experience in its many forms — from distinguished hospitality, exceptional drink and meal pairing, creative dining structures, etc. 

Have a look at all the categories the Texas semifinalists are included in: 

Outstanding Restaurateur

  • Chris Williams, Lucille’s Hospitality Group, Houston, TX 

Outstanding Chef

  • Junior Borges, Meridian, Dallas, TX  
  • Christine Ha and Tony J. Nguyen, Xin Chào, Houston, TX 

Outstanding Restaurant Presented by Acqua Panna

  • La Condesa, Austin, TX 
  • Lucia, Dallas, TX 

Emerging Chef Presented by S. Pellegrino Sparkling Natural Mineral Water

  • Victoria Elizondo, Cochinita & Co., Houston, TX 
  • Jennifer Hwa Dobbertin, Best Quality Daughter, San Antonio, TX 

Best New Restaurant

  • Don Artemio, Fort Worth, TX 
  • Restaurant Beatrice, Dallas, TX 
  • Tatemó, Houston, TX 
  • Tatsu, Dallas, TX 

Outstanding Bakery

  • La Casita Bakeshop, Richardson, TX 
  • Kuluntu Bakery, Dallas, TX 

Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker

  • Mariela Camacho, Comadre Panadería, Austin, TX 
  • Anne Ng, Bakery Lorraine, San Antonio, TX 

Outstanding Hospitality Presented by American Airlines

  • The Local, Abilene, TX 
  • Theodore Rex, Houston, TX 

Outstanding Wine and Other Beverages Program

  • Nancy’s Hustle, Houston, TX 
  • Suerte, Austin, TX 

Outstanding Bar

  • Las Ramblas, Brownsville, TX 
  • Weathered Souls Brewing Company, San Antonio, TX 

Best Chef: Texas

  • Nicola Blaque, The Jerk Shack, San Antonio, TX 
  • Tavel Bristol-Joseph, Canje, Austin, TX 
  • Damien Brockway, Distant Relatives, Austin, TX 
  • Reyna Duong, Sandwich Hag, Dallas, TX 
  • Kareem El-Ghayesh, KG BBQ, Austin, TX 
  • Jalen Heard, Lane Milne, and Jonny White, Goldee’s Barbecue, Fort Worth, TX 
  • Andrew Ho, Andrew Samia, and Sean Wen, Curry Boys BBQ, San Antonio, TX
  • Greg Gatlin, Gatlin’s BBQ, Houston, TX 
  • Benchawan Jabthong Painter, Street to Kitchen, Houston, TX 
  • Ai Le, Nam Giao, Houston, TX 
  • Olivia López and Jonathan Percival, Molino Olōyō, Dallas, TX 
  • Enrique Lozano, El Charlatan, Socorro, TX 
  • Emiliano Marentes, ELEMI, El Paso, TX 
  • Ana Liz Pulido, Ana Liz Taqueria, Mission, TX  
  • Anastacia Quiñones-Pittman, José, Dallas, TX 
  • Regino Rojas, Revolver Taco Lounge, Dallas, TX 
  • John Russ, Clementine, San Antonio, TX 
  • Ernest Servantes and David Kirkland, Burnt Bean Co., Seguin, TX 
  • Kiran Verma, Kiran’s, Houston, TX 
  • Jon Walter, Chez Sami, Wolfforth, TX 

The full list can be viewed here.