This morning, the James Beard Foundation unveiled the semifinalist nominees for this year’s James Beard Awards, and two local chefs are shining bright on the list.

Wendy Garcia of Tumerico and La Chaiteria, which was the city’s lone semifinalist last year, and Flavia Briones of Barista Del Barrio are semifinalists in the Best Chef: Southwest (AZ, NM, NV, OK) category.

Garcia is no stranger to recognition and awards and just yesterday, the Yelpers have spoken and Tumerico took the #1 spot on Yelp’s “Top 100 Places to Eat in 2024.” And, we’re not talking about just locally — this list includes 100 restaurants from all over the U.S.

Briones and her family opened Barista Del Barrio in 2017. which was operated out of a food cart. From there, they served coffee and breakfast items and eventually moved into the building next door. Everything on the menu has been chosen because it meets the Briones’ high standards and it truly shows — there’s usually a long line of eager eaters in the mornings.

Nominees will be announced on Wednesday, April 3, and winners will be announced at the James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards Ceremony on Monday, June 10 at the Lyric Opera of Chicago.

Tumerico is located at 2526 E. Sixth St. and 402 E. Fourth Ave., La Chaiteria is located at 1002 W. Congress St. For more information, visit tumerico.com and lachaiteria.com. Barista Del Barrio is located at 1002 N. Grande Ave. For more information, visti baristadelbarrio.com. To see all of the semifinalists, visit jamesbeard.org.

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