SAN ANTONIO – A Houston chef won the James Beard Award for Best Chef: Texas on Monday night, beating out chefs at two San Antonio-area restaurants.
The James Beard Foundation held its 2023 Restaurant and Chef Awards ceremony on Monday night in Chicago. The prestigious James Beard Awards are seen as the Oscars of the culinary world, as they honor the top chefs, restaurants and bars across the country.
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John Russ of Clementine, and Ernest Servantes and David Kirkland of Burnt Bean Co. in Seguin were among those listed as finalists in the Best Chef: Texas category.
Benchawan Jabthong Painter, the owner of Thai restaurant Street to Kitchen, was ultimately named Best Chef: Texas. The restaurant is based in Houston.
During her speech, she thanked her husband, family, and staff for all their support and hard work.
“Thank you James Beard Awards for making my dreams come true,” she said as she closed her speech.
The others in the running for Best Chef: Texas included Reyna Duong of Sandwich Hag in Dallas and Emiliano Marentes of ELEMI in El Paso.
The mission of the James Bear Awards is to recognize exceptional talent and achievement in the culinary arts, hospitality, media, and broader food system, as well as a demonstrated commitment to racial and gender equity, community, sustainability, and a culture where all can thrive.