Tucson Chef is a 2025 James Beard Award Semifinalist

This morning, the semifinalist nominees for this year’s James Beard Awards were announced and one local chef is in the spotlight!

Jose Contreras, the owner and chef of Amelia’s Mexican Kitchen, is the only Tucson semifinalist in 2025 — nominated for Best Chef: Southwest (AZ, NM, NV, OK).

Named after his beloved grandmother, Amelia, owner and chef, Contreras, infuses every dish at the restaurant with the spirit and flavors of his family’s culinary traditions. For instance, time-honored classics such as enchiladas, chilaquiles, quesabirria, and tamales, each crafted with his grandmother’s style in mind.

Contreras opened the first Amelia’s, at 5553 E. Grant Rd., which has been open for a few years, and the second location at 5851 N. Oracle Rd. (right next to Gourmet Girls) debuted about a year ago.

The James Beard Awards are like the Oscars of the food world, celebrating the chefs, restaurants, and culinary innovators who set the standard for excellence and creativity in the kitchen.

Also, 2025 is the James Beard Awards’ 35th anniversary!

Nominees will be announced on Wednesday, April 2. Then, the winners will be announced at the James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards Ceremony on Monday, June 16 at the Lyric Opera of Chicago.

Amelia’s Mexican Kitchen is located at 5851 N. Oracle Rd. and 5553 E. Grant Rd. For more information, visit ameliasfood.com and follow Amelia’s on Instagram.