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 among five nominees from restaurants in Florida, Louisiana, and Arkansas, with the winners to be announced on June 15.
Maria La Mota and Chason Spencer, owners of Chancho King, are finalists for the James Beard Awards. They offer authentic Ecuadorian cuisine at their Murray Hill restaurant. 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. They launched a second Chancho King location on March 20. The awards recognize excellence in the culinary arts, food, and beverage industries.
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