The James Beard Foundation announced its 2026 Restaurant and Chef Award semifinalists on Wednesday and nearly two dozen Chicago chefs, restaurants and bars are in the running for a coveted nomination.

The James Beard Foundation on Tuesday announced its Restaurant and Chef Awards semifinalists for the 2026 James Beard Awards, and several New Mexico eateries, bars, and chefs are in the running.

In the category of Outstanding Restaurateur, Greg Vernick of Vernick Fish was nominated again.