North Texas chefs and restaurants did not win any James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards, often called “The Oscars of Food,” at the annual awards ceremony in Chicago on June 5.
The awards are among the highest honors in the U.S. for restaurants. They are run by the James Beard Foundation, a nonprofit that recognizes the people behind America’s food culture.
D-FW had six finalists competing for the top national and regional prizes this year: Don Artemio and Restaurant Beatrice for Best New Restaurant, La Casita Bakeshop and Kuluntu Bakery for Outstanding Bakery, Lucia for Outstanding Restaurant, and Reyna Duong of Sandwich Hag for Best Chef: Texas. It was the most nominees from North Texas in recent memory. In the semifinals this year, D-FW had 15 nods.
Kris Moon, president and chief operating officer of JBF, said in a red-carpet interview live-streamed on Eater that the awards are about celebrating people who are “leading the industry forward.” He said it’s more than just about making great food these days, it’s about equity and sustainability, from how a restaurant treats its staff to how it supports the surrounding community.
The James Beard Awards have not been without controversy over the years. They have faced criticisms for lack of diversity among award recipients as well as a lack of transparency in regard to the judging process. This year, two nominated chefs were investigated after the foundation received reports of ethics violations, reports Eater, and two judges resigned.
Texas, overall, had winners this year. Joe’s Bakery and Coffee Shop in Austin won in the America’s Classics category, and the winner of Best Chef: Texas, a new category since 2020, was Benchawang Jabthong Painter of Thai restaurant Street to Kitchen in Houston.
For a full list of winners, go to jamesbeard.org/awards.