El Paso just earned a seat at one of the biggest tables in American food.

The 2026 James Beard Award semifinalists were announced, and among the chefs, concepts, and programs recognized nationwide, El Paso is proudly represented, affirming what locals have known for years: the Sun City’s culinary scene is no longer flying under the radar.

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Leading the charge is Chef Andrés Pablos of Accá, named a semifinalist for Best Chef: Texas. Accá has become one of El Paso’s most thoughtful and intentional dining experiences, blending technique, heritage, and storytelling into every plate. Pablos’ recognition places El Paso in direct conversation with Texas’ most celebrated culinary cities and signals that the city’s food culture is evolving without losing its soul. I've had the pleasure of interviewing Chef Andres Pablos on the air, and even got to experience the incredible culinary masterpieces made over at Acca. You deserve an elevated lunch or a professionally cooked date night.

Also representing the region are Gabe Padilla and Melissa Padilla of Café Piro in Socorro, recognized alongside El Paso’s broader food ecosystem. Café Piro has built a loyal following through heart-forward cooking that honors local flavors, community, and consistency. Their inclusion highlights how food in the Borderland is inseparable from family, place, and culture. If you havent had the pleasure of spending time at Cafe Piro, make some time to head out to Socorro and experience the peacefulness of this community space.

On the beverage side, Taconeta, the beloved El Paso mezcal and agave spirits bar, was named a semifinalist for Outstanding Wine and Other Beverages Program. This is a major nod not just to cocktails, but to the education, care, and cultural respect Taconeta brings to agave spirits. Their recognition puts El Paso on the national beverage map in a category often dominated by much larger markets. Which is an exciting twist considering most locals know Taconeta for their delicious tacos! Taconeta also happens to be a staple of downtown El Paso so this is only confirming what we all already knew.

Rounding out the regional recognition is Danny Calleros of Ardovino’s Desert Crossing, named a semifinalist for Best Chef: Southwest. Located just across the state line in Sunland Park, New Mexico, Ardovino’s has long been a Borderland institution. Calleros’ recognition reinforces that culinary excellence in this region does not stop at city or state borders.

Taken together, these semifinalist honors represent more than individual success. They reflect a city coming into its own. El Paso’s chefs and hospitality professionals are telling border stories with confidence, depth, and technical excellence, and the rest of the country is finally paying attention.

The James Beard Awards are considered the highest honor in American food, and while the finalists and winners will be announced later this spring, this moment already matters. El Paso is no longer just producing great food. It is shaping conversations about what American cuisine looks like when culture, history, and community are centered.

The Sun City showed up. And it belongs here.