James Beard Finalists
Top Austin chef once again earns the chance to be James Beard award winner

One Austin chef has the chance to be named James Beard Best Chef: Southwest. On Wednesday, March 15, the Beard Foundation announced Bryce Gilmore (Barley Swine) as a finalist in the category.
He'll be competing against Steve McHugh (Cured in San Antonio), Hugo Ortega (Hugo's in Houston), Jianyun Ye (Mala Sichuan Bistro in Houston), Steve Redzikowski (Acorn in Denver), and Martin Rios (Restaurant Martin in Santa Fe).
Gilmore was also a finalist in 2016. If he wins, he'll join three other Austin chefs with the title: Aaron Franklin (2015), Paul Qui (2012), and Tyson Cole (2011).
Considered to be the Oscars of the culinary industry, the awards recognize chefs, front of house professionals, restaurateurs, and media in a broad array of categories. Voters consist of a volunteer panel of more than 600 judges from across the country, including local critics, culinary educators, and past winners.
The awards will be presented on May 1 in Chicago. The media awards will be presented in New York on April 25.