The James Beard Foundation unveiled the semifinalists for its 2024 Restaurant and Chef awards on January 24, 2024, with the Dallas-Fort Worth area receiving eight nominations, a decrease from last year’s 15.
This marks the initial stage of the annual competition, which recognizes the foremost culinary talents across the United States. Finalists will be announced on April 3, followed by the winners’ announcement on June 10.
Among the 10 national categories, three North Texas establishments secured semifinalist positions: Lucia’s chef David Uygur for Outstanding Chef, La Casita Bakeshop for Outstanding Bakery, and Gemma for Outstanding Hospitality.
In the Best Chef Texas category, five Dallas chefs earned spots on the list: Misti Norris of Petra and the Beast, Anastacia Quiñones-Pittman of José, Regino Rojas of Purépecha, Arnulfo Sánchez of Vaqueros Texas Bar-B-Q, and Rich Vana of The Heritage Table.
