The nominees for the 2026 James Beard Foundation Awards have been announced, and Central Florida’s three semifinalists will not move forward.
Back in January, chefs Toni Elkhouri from Cedar’s Cafe in Melbourne and Wendy Lopez, chef/partner of Reyes Mezcaleria and Sparrow Wine Bar & Lounge (the latter this year’s Orlando Sentinel Foodie Award Critic’s Pick for Best New Restaurant), won early nods in the Best Chef: South category, as did Lakeland’s Born & Bread Bakehouse for Outstanding Bakery.
“I know I was a long shot because I’m in the middle of nowhere and I’m not going to get as many judges coming out to me,” Elkhouri told the Orlando Sentinel in the wake of the announcements, noting her appreciation for Cedar’s inclusion in the mix.
Chef Toni Elkhouri from Cedar’s Cafe in Melbourne, a family-run spot offering Lebanese fare. (Courtesy Cedar’s Cafe)
“It’s been really nice to have residents and former residents not anticipating to see Brevard County on the [semifinalist] list … it’s great, I’m giving people who are from the Space Coast a sense of pride.”
Elkhouri is the region’s first James Beard semifinalist, the first Lebanese female chef nominated in a Best Chef category, and is known for cooking Lebanese food. For her, it’s a thrill.
“For me, it’s just about doing well enough to hopefully get nominated again next year. That’s my goal.”
Closer to home, Lopez, who’s clocked a banner year that included not only Sparrow’s opening and subsequent awards, is happy to just be in the mix.
“You don’t do it for awards,” she said. “You do it for the hospitality, for the love of food. This doesn’t change anything for me. I’m extremely happy with what I’ve done, with what my team has accomplished. We’ll just continue to strive. This won’t deter us from doing more great things.”
Chefs Maria La Mota and Chason Spencer of Jacksonville’s Chancho King and chef Bryce Bonsack of Tampa’s Rocca will head to Chicago in June, repping Florida in the Best Chef: South category.
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