Houston has no James Beard Award winners in 2024

Despite a large number of nominees for the 2024 James Beard Awards, Houston only had one finalist this year, Emmanuel Chavez of Tatemó in the Best Chef: Texas category.

Unfortunately, the city was completely excluded from the awards this year.

Eleven chefs from the region were on the list of semi-finalists. Mark Clayton of Squable; Victoria Elizondo of Cochinita & Co. and Thomas Bille of Spring’s Belly of the Beast were nominated for Best Chef: Texas.

Itai Ben Eli and Itamar Levy of Sof Hospitality Group, behind Doris Metropolitan, Hamsa and Bādolina Bakery & Café, were nominated for the Outstanding Restaurateur award.

Nancy’s Hustle was nominated for Outstanding Restaurant.

Ope Amosu of ChòpnBlọk in downtown’s Post Houston food hall was nominated for the Emerging Chef award. Jūn was nominated for Best New Restaurant. Koffeteria was nominated for best baker or pastry chef. Bludorn earned a nomination for exceptional hospitality.

It is worth reserving a place in each of them.

Disclosure: Some Vox Media staff members are part of the voting body for the James Beard Awards. Eater is partnering with the James Beard Foundation to livestream the awards in 2024. All editorial content is produced independently of the James Beard Foundation.