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San Antonio restaurant, chefs announced as semifinalists for prestigious James Beard Awards

Chefs from six Alamo City restaurants are up for “Best Chef: Texas” Award

Jennifer Hwa Dobbertin from Best Quality Daughter is up for the "Best Chef: Texas" James Beard Award. (Courtesy of Best Quality Daughter)

SAN ANTONIO – A San Antonio restaurant and local chefs are among the semifinalists for the highly coveted James Beard Awards.

Considered one of the most prestigious culinary honors in the country, the awards “recognize exceptional talent in the culinary and food media industries, as well as a demonstrated commitment to creating a culture where all can thrive,” according to a news release.

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The James Beard Foundation announced its list of semifinalists on Wednesday.

One local restaurant, Mixtli, is a semifinalist for the Outstanding Hospitality Award presented by American Airlines.

The award goes to a dining or drinking establishment “that fosters a sense of hospitality among its customers and staff that serves as a beacon for the community and demonstrates consistent excellence in food, atmosphere, hospitality, and operations,” the Foundation said.

Semifinalists from six restaurants around the Alamo City are up for the “Best Chef: Texas” category this year.

See the full list of San Antonio semifinalists below:

  • Leo Davila, Stixs & Stone
  • Jennifer Hwa Dobbertin, Best Quality Daughter
  • Grey Hwang, Shiro Japanese Bistro
  • Emil Oliva, Leche de Tigre
  • John Ramos and Jonathan Reyes, Chika
  • Alex Sarmiento and Brenda Sarmiento, El Pastor Es Mi Señor

The Foundation will announce restaurant and chef award nominees on Wednesday, April 2. The James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards ceremony will take place Monday, June 16, at the Lyric Opera of Chicago.

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About the Author
Gabby Jimenez headshot

Gabby Jimenez is a digital journalist at KSAT. Gabby is a San Antonio native and joined the KSAT team in January 2025. A proud LSU alumna, she has reported for newspapers in Louisiana and Virginia, earning a Virginia Press Association award for Combination Photo and Story in 2024.

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