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North Texas Restaurants Among James Beard Semi-Finalists

Eight North Texas eateries and chefs were nominated
Matilda Preisendorf
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Photo: James Beard Foundation

It’s the time of year that restaurants and chefs look forward to — the James Beard Awards. 

The James Beard Foundation, a New York City-based national non-profit culinary arts organization, recently unveiled the semifinalists for its highly anticipated annual awards ceremony scheduled for June in Chicago. The finalists will be announced in April, with the award recipients being revealed in the summer.

The first award, Outstanding Chef presented by Hilton, is given to a chef who establishes elevated culinary benchmarks and serves as a commendable role model for fellow food professionals, all the while making positive contributions to the broader community. 

This year, only one North Texas chef made the cut. David Uygur from Dallas-based Lucia is a semifinalist. The restaurant is known for creative Italian fare served in rustic, cozy quarters from the 1920s. Lucia is located at 287 N Bishop Ave, Dallas. 

Another Dallas spot was nominated for the next award, Outstanding Hospitality presented by American Airlines. The award will be given to a restaurant, bar or other food and drinking establishment that fosters a sense of hospitality among its customers and staff, while contributing positively to its broader community. Gemma, a relaxed Dallas spot with a coastal California feel serving New American bites, is up for the award. 

The next award potentially given to a North Texas shop is Outstanding Bakery. The award is given to a baker who demonstrates consistent excellence in food, atmosphere, hospitality and operations while contributing positively to the broader community. La Casita Bakeshop located at 580 W Arapaho Rd #154, Richardson was nominated again after winning last year. 

Because Texas is home to so many great restaurants and chefs, an entire category was dedicated to the Lone Star State. This year, multiple North Texas chefs were nominated for the prestigious award: Rich Vana, The Heritage Table, Frisco; Arnulfo Sánchez III, Vaqueros Texas Bar-B-Q, Grapevine; Misti Norris from Petra & the Beast, Dallas; Anastacia Quiñones-Pittman, José, Dallas; and Regino Rojas, Purépecha, Dallas.