{"id":219661,"date":"2026-03-25T12:11:24","date_gmt":"2026-03-25T12:11:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/219661\/"},"modified":"2026-03-25T12:11:24","modified_gmt":"2026-03-25T12:11:24","slug":"2026-james-beard-awards-highlight-el-pasos-culinary-talents","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/219661\/","title":{"rendered":"2026 James Beard Awards Highlight El Paso’s Culinary Talents"},"content":{"rendered":"

The\u00a02026 James Beard Award semifinalists<\/a>\u00a0were announced, and among the chefs, concepts, and programs recognized nationwide,\u00a0El Paso is proudly represented, affirming what locals have known for years: the Sun City\u2019s culinary scene is no longer flying under the radar.<\/p>\n

Leading the charge is\u00a0Chef Andr\u00e9s Pablos of Acc\u00e1<\/a>, named a semifinalist for\u00a0Best Chef: Texas. Acc\u00e1 has become one of El Paso\u2019s most thoughtful and intentional dining experiences, blending technique, heritage, and storytelling into every plate. Pablos\u2019 recognition places El Paso in direct conversation with Texas\u2019 most celebrated culinary cities and signals that the city\u2019s food culture is evolving without losing its soul. I’ve had the pleasure of interviewing Chef Andres Pablos on the air, and even got to experience the incredible culinary masterpieces made over at Acca. You deserve an elevated lunch or a professionally cooked date night.<\/p>\n

Also representing the region are\u00a0Gabe Padilla and Melissa Padilla of Caf\u00e9 Piro<\/a>\u00a0in Socorro, recognized alongside El Paso\u2019s broader food ecosystem. Caf\u00e9 Piro has built a loyal following through heart-forward cooking that honors local flavors, community, and consistency. Their inclusion highlights how food in the Borderland is inseparable from family, place, and culture. If you havent had the pleasure of spending time at Cafe Piro, make some time to head out to Socorro and experience the peacefulness of this community space.<\/p>\n

On the beverage side,\u00a0Taconeta<\/a>, the beloved El Paso mezcal and agave spirits bar, was named a semifinalist for\u00a0Outstanding Wine and Other Beverages Program. This is a major nod not just to cocktails, but to the education, care, and cultural respect Taconeta brings to agave spirits. Their recognition puts El Paso on the national beverage map in a category often dominated by much larger markets. Which is an exciting twist considering most locals know Taconeta for their delicious tacos! Taconeta also happens to be a staple of downtown El Paso so this is only confirming what we all already knew.<\/p>\n

Rounding out the regional recognition is\u00a0Danny Calleros of\u00a0Ardovino\u2019s Desert Crossing<\/a>,<\/a>\u00a0named a semifinalist for\u00a0Best Chef: Southwest. Located just across the state line in\u00a0Sunland Park, New Mexico, Ardovino\u2019s has long been a Borderland institution. Calleros\u2019 recognition reinforces that culinary excellence in this region does not stop at city or state borders.<\/p>\n

Taken together, these semifinalist honors represent more than individual success. They reflect a city coming into its own. El Paso\u2019s chefs and hospitality professionals are telling border stories with confidence, depth, and technical excellence, and the rest of the country is finally paying attention.<\/p>\n

The James Beard Awards are considered the highest honor in American food, and while the finalists and winners will be announced later this spring,\u00a0this moment already matters. El Paso is no longer just producing great food. It is shaping conversations about what American cuisine looks like when culture, history, and community are centered.<\/p>\n

The Sun City showed up. And it belongs here.<\/p>\n

Meet The El Paso Girls Who Took Over the 2026 \u201cI Voted” Sticker Contest<\/p>\n

Three talented El Paso students swept the 2025 Sticker Design Contest, taking first, second, and third place with designs that set a new bar for creativity.<\/p>\n

Gallery Credit: Iris Lopez<\/p>\n

The Most Famous People You Didn’t Know Were El Pasoans<\/p>\n

These are just a few of the most famous El Pasoans to grace the earth. Some of them, like Alan Tudyk, have played so many famous characters, its crazy that we could ever forget they were El Paso born!<\/p>\n

Gallery Credit: Grizz<\/p>\n