These Austin restaurants, chefs were named semifinalists in the 2024 James Beard Awards
AUSTIN (KXAN) — Several Austin restaurants and chefs are being recognized for their culinary talent by being named semifinalists in the 2024 James Beard Awards.
The James Beard Awards honor restaurants across the country and “recognize exceptional talent and achievement in the culinary arts, hospitality, media, and broader food system,” according to its website.
The awards also said these businesses show a “commitment to racial and gender equity, community, sustainability, and a culture where all can thrive.”
Here’s a breakdown of the Austin restaurants and chefs that were named semifinalists and the categories they’re represented in.
Best New Restaurant
Ramen Del Barrio in north Austin said it combines “Japanese technique and Mexican flavors to bring something new, yet oddly familiar to Austin diners.” The restaurant is run by Chef Chris Krinsky, partnering with Chef John Gocong.
Address: 1700 West Parmer Ln., Suite 100 (located inside Hana World Food Court)
Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker
Mariela Camacho founded Comadre Panadería, a bakery located in east Austin.
“Our aim is to truly nourish our community, body and soul, through our pan (bread), grounded in experience, intuition, tradition, and responsibly grown and harvested ingredients,” the business wrote on its website.
Address: 1204 Cedar Ave.
Outstanding Wine and Other Beverages Program
Bufalina is a restaurant in east Austin serving up Neapolitan pizza and pasta, complete with a wine club you can join.
Address: 2215 E. Cesar Chavez St.
Best Chef: Texas
Tavel Bristol-Joseph, Canje: In 2022, the New York Times named Canje as one of the nation’s best restaurants. The restaurant calls itself a “new age Caribbean restaurant” in east Austin, located at 1914 East Sixth St., Ste C.
Geoff Ellis, Mum Foods Smokehouse & Delicatessen: Found in east Austin, the business said on its website it believes “in sourcing the best products from Texas producers.” You can find the smokehouse and deli at 5811 Manor Rd.
Joseph Gomez, Con Todo: The business describes itself as a “Rio Grande Valley taqueria food trailer” that wants to represent the 956 outside of the Valley. You can find the food trailer in north Austin at 10001 Metric Blvd.
Tracy Malechek-Ezekiel, Birdie’s: Birdie’s calls itself “a little, counter service neighborhood restaurant and wine bar” with daily menu changes and food inspired by French and Italian cooking. You can find this family-owned and operated restaurant in east Austin at 2944 East 12th St., Unit A.
Fermín Nuñez, Suerte: Suerte’s website said its food is “inspired by the people, cooking techniques, and flavors of Mexico.” Nuñez has been featured on the Food Network and Netflix’s The Taco Chronicles. You can find Suerte in east Austin at 1800 East Sixth St.
Woman-led Barbs-B-Q out of Lockhart, Texas, which is about 40 minutes south of Austin, was also named a semifinalist in the Best New Restaurant category. They posted about the recognition on Instagram to their 12,000 followers.
Nominees for the 2024 awards will be announced April 3, and winners will be named at the James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards Ceremony on June 10 at the Lyric Opera of Chicago.
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