There’s a theme: Both North Texas chefs work at Italian restaurants
In early 2026, three Dallas-Fort Worth chefs were among the 20 eligible for Best Chef: Texas, a coveted James Beard Foundation award. In March 31, 2026, we learned that one D-FW chef remains on the list: Scott Girling of Osteria il Muro in Denton.
, who runs the tiny Osteria il Muro restaurant in Denton, is up for Best Chef: Texas, one of the highest-profile awards. He’s joined by four other Texas chefs from Houston, Lubbock and the El Paso area., pastry chef at Dallas restaurant Lucia, is a nominee for Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker. Among the list of five bakers, one more is from Texas: Tavel Bristol-Joseph, who works at San Antonio one-Michelin-star restaurant Nicosi. Pastry chef Maggie Huff, pictured in a 2019 DMN file photo, is eligible to win Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker from the James Beard Foundation in 2026., a Japanese omakase spot called Tatsu Dallas and French-Italian eatery Mamani. Neither restaurant, nor its chefs, were among the James Beard nominees in 2026, suggesting a disconnect between the global Michelin organization’s opinions of Dallas-Fort Worth’s best restaurants and those of the New York City-based James Beard Foundation.Dallas diners should look at this news as one more step toward the final awards, announced June 15, 2026. Dallas diners should also consider making reservations at Osteria il Muro and Lucia, two restaurants that are already tough to get into, but now might be even more difficult, given the good news.The James Beard Foundation rolls out its chef news over six months. The process begins in January each year, when it announces semifinalists.Sarah Blaskovich reports on restaurants, bars and culture in Dallas-Fort Worth. She profiles North Texas' top chefs, follows food trends and breaks news on restaurants opening and closing. She formerly worked at the Associated Press in London and is a graduate of the Missouri School of Journalism. Follow @sblaskovich on X and ask her where to eat.Former Gateway Church pastor Robert Morris' full statement on his release from jail
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