HOUSTON — Houston is not on the menu for a James Beard Award this year. Although nominations for the prestigious food honor were announced here on Wednesday morning.
“Houston has such an amazing diversity of food, of types of restaurants, and I think that the word is getting out,” said Mitchell Davis with the James Beard Foundation. “This is one of the major food destinations of America.”
That’s part of the reason Houston was picked to host the nomination ceremony for the so-called “Oscars of the food world.”
Finalists in more than 60 categories from all over the country were revealed.
“Houston has received over 100 honors for James Beard Award winners, nominees, and semi-finalists,” said James Beard Foundation CEO Clare Reichenbach. “Including the 10 semi-finalists this year, which is phenomenal.”
Hugo Ortega, the chef behind Hugo’s, provided the space and an incredible breakfast spread.
He took home the award for “Best Chef - Southwest” two years ago.
“It’s a great moment in our city,” said Ortega. “It’s broadcasted all over the world and it’s just incredible.”
None of the semi-finalists from the Houston area were nominated this year. But they also relish the recognition the city’s vibrant food community continues to receive.
“And, you know, just the dining scene in the city,” said chef and restaurateur Chris Shepherd. “Seeing it grow and grow just makes it a great place to be, every day.”
Houston may have been shut out, but chefs and restaurants from Austin and San Antonio were nominated.
James Beard Awards will be handed out in May in Chicago.
Click here to see the list of nominations.
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