A group of New Mexico establishments and chefs have been nominated as semifinalists in the 2023 James Beard Awards which recognize excellence in the food and restaurant industry.

“Congratulations to all our 2023 James Beard Award Semifinalists! This is always an exhilarating moment as we kick off the awards cycle and recognize the outstanding achievements of individuals and teams across the country,” Clare Reichenbach, CEO of the James Beard Foundation, said in a press release. “After a year of fundamental changes, we look forward to building on the progress made, celebrating those paving a better future for us all—through their talent and craft, service to others, and commitment to a better, more sustainable industry. We look forward to sharing more exciting details for the 2023 ceremonies in the coming days.”

The James Beard Awards are considered among the most prestigious culinary and food media industry awards in the United States. Winners will be honored at the James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards Ceremony on June 5 in Chicago, according to the release.

Six chefs from New Mexico were named among the semifinalists from the Southwest region which also included Arizona, Nevada, and Oklahoma.

The New Mexico representatives are Basit Gauba with Tikka Spice in Albuquerque; Andrea Meyere with The Love Apple in Taos; Justin Pioche with Piochie Food Group in Navajo Nation, David Sellers with Horno Restaurant, in Santa Fe, and Luis and Berenice Media with El Chile Toreado, in Santa Fe.

“We are so thrilled to recognize this year’s Restaurant and Chef Awards Semifinalists, a truly diverse group of talented individuals across the culinary industry,” Restaurant and Chef Awards Committee Chair, Adrian Miller, said in the release.