Austin left out as Houston chefs rep Texas at 2026 James Beard Awards

Houston dominated Texas representation at the 2026 James Beard Awards, held June 15 at the Lyric Opera of Chicago, with two wins in the state category. Adrian Torres, executive chef at Maximo, took home the Emerging Chef award, while Evelyn Garcia and Henry Lu of Jūn won Best Chef: Texas. This marks Houston’s third Best Chef: Texas victory in the last four years, following Thomas Bille’s 2025 win and Benchawan Jabthong Painter’s 2023 victory. Torres, 27, became only the second Houstonian to win a national James Beard Award, following Julep’s Outstanding Bar Program win in 2022. His accolades include StarChefs Rising Star recognition, a Michelin Bib Gourmand for Maximo, and the 2026 CultureMap Tastemaker Award for Rising Star Chef of the Year. Torres highlighted his immigrant background during his acceptance speech, emphasizing his pride as a DACA recipient and son of immigrants. Houston’s six finalists included June Rodil (March) for Outstanding Professional in Beverage Service, Ope Amosu (ChòpnBlọk) for Best Chef: Texas, Agnes and Sherman for Best New Restaurant, and Hugo Ortega and Tracy Vaught (H-Town Restaurant Group) for Outstanding Restaurateur. Other Texas nominees included Maggie Huff (Lucia, Dallas) for Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker and Mixtli (San Antonio) for Outstanding Restaurant. Austin had no finalists, though Tavel Bristol-Joseph—known for Austin’s Nicosi—competed in San Antonio for Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker. The city’s culinary scene remains active, with the Hot Luck festival returning this fall, benefiting the Southern Smoke Foundation, which received a James Beard Impact Award for supporting hospitality workers. The wins underscore Houston’s growing influence in Texas dining, with Jūn’s New Asian American cuisine and Maximo’s Mexican fare leading the charge. Torres and Garcia/Lu’s achievements follow a trend of Houston chefs winning national recognition, reinforcing the city’s reputation as a culinary leader.