oscars of the food world

2 San Antonio restaurants nab James Beard Award finalist nods

oscars of the food world

2 San Antonio restaurants nab James Beard Award finalist nods

Leche de Tigre chef Emil Oliva received his first Beard finalist nomination.Leche de Tigre/ Facebook
A frequent semifinalist, Mixtli received its first James Beard finalist nod.Mixtli/Instagram

After a strong showing in the semifinalist round, two San Antonio restaurants were among the finalists for this year’s James Beard Awards. The city’s chefs and restaurants scored one nomination in the nationwide categories, as well as one of the five nominations for Best Chef: Texas.

Here are all of the Texas nominees in the national categories:

Emerging Chef: RJ Yoakum, Georgie (Dallas)
Best New Restaurant: Ema (Houston)
Best New Restaurant: Mabo (Dallas)
Best New Bar: Bar Colette (Dallas)
Outstanding Professional in Beverage Service: Arjav Ezekiel, Birdie’s (Austin)
Outstanding Wine and Other Beverages Program: March (Houston)
Outstanding Bakery: Starship Bagel (Dallas)
Outstanding Hospitality: Mixtli (San Antonio)

The nominees for Best Chef: Texas include one nominee from San Antonio. Here are all of the nominees in the category:

Thomas Bille, Belly of the Beast (Spring)
Emmanuel Chavez, Tatemó (Houston)
Emil Oliva, Leche de Tigre (San Antonio)
Regino Rojas, Purépecha (Dallas)
Michael Anthony Serva, Bordo (Marfa)

The finalists are drawn from the semifinalists who were announced in January. Houston led the way with 13 total semifinalist nominations. Dallas and San Antonio restaurants earned eight semifinalist nominations each, followed by six for Austin-area establishments.

Considered the Oscars of the food world, the James Beard Foundation announced the finalists for its Restaurant and Chef Awards on Wednesday, April 2. The awards recognize excellence by chefs and other culinary professionals in a wide range of categories ranging from Outstanding Chef to Best New Restaurant. For 2025, the James Beard Foundation added three new categories to recognize the beverage side of hospitality: Best New Bar. Outstanding Professional in Beverage Service, and Outstanding Professional in Cocktail Service.

Winners must also have “demonstrated commitment to racial and gender equity, community, sustainability, and a culture where all can thrive,” according to the organization’s website. The awards also include media categories that will be announced on May 7.

Notably, both of San Antonio's nominees also earned spots in the Michelin Guide. Leche de Tigre was listed as a recommended restaurant, while Mixtli was the only San Antonio restaurant to receive a coveted Michelin star. Both honorees are first-time finalists.

“These remarkable leaders exemplify our 'Good Food for Good' mission through their commitment to excellence, to the evolution of the independent restaurant industry, and our broader food culture,” James Beard Foundation CEO Clare Reichenbach said in a statement. “We look forward to celebrating everyone at the 35th anniversary of the James Beard Awards in June.”

The Foundation will reveal its Restaurant and Chef Award winners at an awards ceremony on Monday, June 16, 2024, at the Lyric Opera of Chicago.

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HILL COUNTRY EATS

Iconic Houston Tex-Mex chain opens first location in Fredericksburg

Los Tios is now serving Tex-Mex in Fredericksburg Photo courtesy of Adair Concepts

Los Tios, one of Houston's most iconic Tex-Mex restaurants, has officially opened its first Fredericksburg location. Located at 203 E. San Antonio St., a new Los Tios in Fredericksburg began serving customers on April 1, bringing its signature puffy tacos and frozen margaritas to the Texas Hill Country.

Los Tios, owned by Adair Concepts hospitality group, has been a Space City staple since 1970. Now with six locations, the mini-chain has become a family favorite for classic dishes like fajitas, enchiladas, tacos, and chiles rellenos.

Los Tios Fredericksburg The interior evokes the grace of a Mexican hacienda.Photo by Frances Boatwright.

Although each dining room has its own flair, they are all meant to evoke the warmth of Mexican home kitchens, using flourishes like Saltillo tile, richly patterned oilcloth wallpaper, leather booths, and pierced tin sconces. Each outpost also showcases artwork and collectibles gathered from the owners' regular trips through Mexico.

The restaurant can accommodate a ton of guests. The main dining room seats 100, while a circular bar seats another 44. The front and back patios make room for another 91 diners. A private dining space is also available for special occasions.

The new restaurant represents a significant investment from Adair Concepts in the popular tourist town. Company president Nick Adair and his wife, Alice, live in Fredericksburg, where they run the tiny boutique property Trueheart Hotel.

Los Tios Margarita Sip a margarita on the front or back patio.Photo courtesy of Adair Concepts

The Fredericksburg Los Tios is Adair Concepts' first restaurant opening outside its Houston homebase, but it is quickly growing its Texas footprint. Previously, the company announced it was bringing Los Tios and comfort food spot Adair Kitchen to San Antonio.

"We're excited to be part of two proud Texas communities, each with its own distinct culture and personality," says Adair in a release. "We look forward to making friends and creating memories with our proven commitment to hospitality and our own unique style of cuisine that Texas cherishes."

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