James Beard Awards: 2025 Finalists and Honorees Announced

The James Beard Foundation has announced the finalists for its 2025 Restaurant and Chef Awards, often termed the 'Oscars of the food world.' Notable nominees include Tara Monsod of Animae in San Diego, marking her second consecutive year as a finalist for Best Chef: California, and Rafael Rios of Yeyo's El Alma de Mexico in Bentonville, Arkansas, who is a finalist for Best Chef: South. Monsod has been recognized for her Asian fusion cuisine and leadership at Animae, while Rios is celebrated for his contributions to Latinx culinary arts and his restaurant's inclusion in The New York Times 2022 Restaurant List. The awards ceremony will take place on June 16 in Chicago, where winners will be announced. The event will also honor Chad Houser with the Humanitarian of the Year Award and Toni Tipton-Martin with the Lifetime Achievement Award.