James Beard names 2 Chicago chefs

The James Beard Foundation on June 3 named Chicago chefs Zubair Mohajir and Rishi Kumar to its 2026-27 TasteTwenty, the organization’s annual list of chefs it calls “ones to watch.” The two were listed together for Chicago on the foundation’s new TasteTwenty page, which identifies Mohajir with Mirra and Kumar with Mariela. The foundation said the 20-chef cohort will represent their cities’ independent restaurant communities through the national Taste America series. The announcement adds another James Beard-linked recognition for two Chicago chefs already identified by the foundation this year as semifinalists. ### Which Chicago chefs made the list, and how were they identified? Zubair Mohajir and Rishi Kumar appeared on the James Beard Foundation’s 2026-27 TasteTwenty roster under Chicago, Illinois. The foundation’s listing names “Zubair Mohajir and Rishi Kumar — Mirra and Mariela, Chicago, IL,” placing them among chefs from 20 markets around the country. Mirra and Mariela are the restaurants attached to the two Chicago chefs in the foundation’s announcement. A separate James Beard Foundation event page from February identified Mohajir and Kumar as chef-partners at Mirra in Bucktown, alongside beverage director and partner David Mor. ### What is TasteTwenty, exactly? (jamesbeard.org) The James Beard Foundation describes TasteTwenty as its annual selection of “ones to watch” in the industry. The foundation said the chefs will “showcase their talents and represent their city’s independent restaurant community throughout the national Taste America series.” (jamesbeard.org) Taste America is the foundation’s national event series presented by American Express and Resy. On its series page, the foundation said the program brings together chefs, guests and diners across the country to celebrate local independent restaurants, with the TasteTwenty cohort representing 20 markets through dinners and walk-around tastings. (jamesbeard.org) ### Why does the foundation connect this list to independent restaurants? The James Beard Foundation said Taste America is built around celebrating “the local independent restaurants at the heart of our communities.” On the TasteTwenty page, it said the cohort recognizes chefs and changemakers whose work extends beyond cooking to areas including sustainable agriculture, team investment, ingredient quality and advocacy for a more resilient food system. (jamesbeard.org) The foundation’s broader awards page uses similar language, saying its honors recognize talent and achievement in food and hospitality along with a commitment to equity, community and sustainability. ### How does this fit with the 2026 James Beard Awards cycle? The James Beard Foundation’s TasteTwenty page identifies Mohajir and Kumar as James Beard Award semifinalists. (jamesbeard.org) The foundation’s 2026 semifinalist announcement, published Jan. 21, said restaurant and chef nominees would follow on March 31, with winners to be celebrated on June 15 at the Lyric Opera of Chicago. (jamesbeard.org) The foundation’s nominee announcement, published March 31, said the 2026 Restaurant and Chef Awards ceremony will take place on Monday, June 15, 2026, in Chicago. The same page said Impact Award honorees will be acknowledged on June 14. ### What happens next in the Taste America calendar? (jamesbeard.org) The James Beard Foundation said box office access for patrons opened June 1 and tickets for September Taste America events went on sale to the general public on June 2 at noon Eastern. The series page lists New Orleans on Sept. 16 as one upcoming event and says the TasteTwenty chefs will host dinners and tastings in markets around the country. (jamesbeard.org) The next major James Beard milestone is June 15, when the Restaurant and Chef Awards are scheduled for the Lyric Opera of Chicago. The foundation has also scheduled its Media Awards for June 13 at the Art Institute of Chicago. (jamesbeard.org 1) (jamesbeard.org 2)