James Beard finalists named

Winners will be revealed at the James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards ceremony on June 15, 2026, to be held at the Lyric Opera of Chicago. (jamesbeard.org) Ope Amosu of ChòpnBlọk is a finalist in the Best Chef in Texas category. (abc13.com) Evelyn Garcia and Henry Lu of JUN Houston are also named among the Best Chef in Texas finalists alongside Amosu. (abc13.com) Four Houston entries appear on the national finalist slate this year: Best New Restaurant contender Agnes and Sherman; Emerging Chef nominee Adrian Torres of Maximo; Outstanding Restaurateur nominees Hugo Ortega and Tracy Vaught of H‑Town Restaurant Group; and June Rodil, named for Outstanding Professional in Beverage Service. (abc13.com) The James Beard Foundation’s official nominees list highlights national standouts such as Outstanding Chef nominees Gilberto Cetina and Niki Nakayama and Outstanding Restaurant finalists including The Catbird Seat, The Four Horsemen, Kalaya, Mixtli and Vicia. (jamesbeard.org) The Impact Award this year includes Houston’s Southern Smoke Foundation, which the foundation notes has granted more than $16 million to food and beverage workers and provided access to over 10,000 no‑cost counseling sessions. (abc13.com) Nancy Silverton was announced as this year’s Lifetime Achievement honoree on the awards roll call released with the restaurant and chef finalists. (restaurantbusinessonline.com)