Jacksonville chefs named finalists for 'Oscars of the food world'
Jacksonville chefs Maria La Mota and Chason Spencer are finalists for the 2026 James Beard Awards Best Chef in the South region. They are the founders and owners of Chancho King, a restaurant offering authentic Ecuadorian cuisine, and are among five nominees from restaurants in Florida, Louisiana, and Arkansas.
Maria La Mota and Chason Spencer, owners of Chancho King, are finalists for the James Beard Awards. Their restaurant offers authentic Ecuadorian cuisine. They launched a second location at The BLOCK Jax on March 20. The James Beard Foundation will announce the winners on June 15. La Mota and Spencer are among five nominees for the Best Chef in the South Award. The awards recognize excellence in the culinary arts and hospitality industries.
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