The Beard Foundation has announced its 2024 semi-finalists and DFW is coming in hot with EIGHT spots making the list! We are breaking it down so you can give these places, their chefs, and their teams a huge congratulations with us, AND go check out what makes them so special.
Updated January 2024
THE JAMES BEARD FOUNDATION
If not familiar, the Foundation recognizes “exceptional talent and achievement” in the culinary arts, hospitality, and beyond. It’s the highest culinary award in the States, often equated to the Oscars of food! The semi-finalists were just announced, with the finalists across 22 categories will be announced at the awards ceremony on June 8th through June 10th!
Outstanding Chef
David Uygur of Lucia
Since Lucia’s opening in 2010, Uygur has been on the James Beard Semifinalist list 6 times, with the restaurant named a finalist last year! This cozy, chef-owned Italian restaurant in Bishop Arts is hard to get a res at but once you go, the food is out of this world.
Bishop Arts | Directions
Outstanding Bakery
Photo courtesy of La Casita Bakeshop
La Casita Bakeshop
This small bakery in Richardson, founded by Maricsa and Alex Henderson, opened in 2019 and has since received many local accolades. Maricsa was a James Beard semi-finalist in 2022 for Outstanding Baker and the bakery was a finalist last year!
Richardson | Directions
Outstanding Hospitality
Gemma
This cozy, modern American bistro closed late last year for renovations and reopened with a newly updated menu! It’s located in East Dallas on Henderson Ave and owned by husband-wife duo, Stephen Rogers and Allison Yoder, who are known for their stellar hospitality.
East Dallas | Directions
Best Chef: Texas
Misti Norris of Petra and the Beast
This foodie staple in Dallas started inside a 90-year-old gas station, and has come a long way since! Chef Norris is known for her use of seasonally crafted and locally sourced ingredients, with an ever-changing menu. She’s no stranger to James Beard Award nominations – and when you try the food at Petra you’ll understand why! (Pictured)
Lakewood | Directions
Regino Rojas of Purépecha
Purepecha is a highly acclaimed tasting experience found in an intimate room at the back of Revolver Taco Lounge. The seven courses of Regino Rojas’ menu are all inspired by his hometown of Michoacán! He has been a nominee and semifinalist multiple times.
Deep Ellum | Directions
Anastacia Quiñones-Pittman of José
Known to Dallas foodies as ‘Chef AQ’, Anastacia Quiñones-Pittman has decades of experience and was a semifinalist for Best Chef: Texas in 2023! Her modern Mexican restaurant’s menu is a take on Tex-Mex like never before, featuring regional dishes that keep locals coming back.
Lovers Lane | Directions
Arnulfo Sánchez III of Vaqueros Texas Bar-B-Q
A newcomer to the list, Arnulfo Sánchez has been barbecuing Tex-Mex style for over 30 years! His iconic food truck started popping up around DFW and finally found a permanent home in Grapevine that keeps visitors coming back. Their BBQ birria tacos have been featured on many TV shows and are a must-try!
Grapevine | Directions
Rich Vana of The Heritage Table
After years of working as a food writer and editor, Rich Vana decided to open his own restaurant – and The Heritage Table was born in 2013! All his hard work has clearly paid off, earning him his first James Beard Award nomination this year. His restaurant is a DFW suburbs gem, with a menu focused on locally sourced comfort foods for the refined palette.
Frisco | Directions
