James Beard nominee from Ecuador

Ecuadorian chef María Delia La Mota is now a 2026 James Beard Award nominee in the Best Chef: South category for Chancho King, her restaurant in Jacksonville, Florida. (jamesbeard.org 1) (jamesbeard.org 2) The James Beard Foundation announced this year’s restaurant and chef nominees on March 31, 2026, and said winners will be revealed on June 15 at the Lyric Opera of Chicago. (jamesbeard.org 1) (jamesbeard.org 2) La Mota shares the nomination with Chason Spencer, her Chancho King co-founder, according to El Universo’s report on the nomination and local coverage from Jacksonville. (eluniverso.com) (eluniverso.com) (jacksonville.com) (jacksonville.com) Chancho King operates at 1120 Edgewood Avenue South in Jacksonville’s Murray Hill area and describes itself as an “Ecuadorian inspired diner.” Its posted hours run Wednesday through Saturday, with a Sunday ceviche service. (chanchoking.square.site) (chanchoking.square.site) The Best Chef: South field covers Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi and Puerto Rico, placing Chancho King in a region that includes some of the country’s deepest restaurant traditions. (eluniverso.com) (eluniverso.com) (jamesbeard.org) (jamesbeard.org) For Chancho King, the nomination extends a run that began with the James Beard semifinalist list released on January 21, 2026, before the finalists were announced at the end of March. (jamesbeard.org) (jamesbeard.org) (jamesbeard.org) (jamesbeard.org) El Universo said the menu includes arroz con menestra, sánduche de chancho, llapingacho and encocado de camarón, tying the restaurant’s national recognition to dishes identified with Ecuadorian cooking. (eluniverso.com) (eluniverso.com) The James Beard Foundation says its awards have recognized United States restaurant and bar professionals since 1990, which is why a nomination can quickly move a neighborhood restaurant onto a national shortlist. (jamesbeard.org) (jamesbeard.org) For La Mota, the next date is June 15, when the James Beard Foundation will name the 2026 winners in Chicago. (jamesbeard.org) (jamesbeard.org)