The James Beard Awards: Celebrating Excellence in Food
The wait for the James Beard Awards is over, and food lovers, chefs, and hospitality workers are buzzing with excitement. The 2025 James Beard Award winners have been announced, and this year’s ceremony, often referred to as the "Oscars of Food," took place in Chicago on June 16.
Houston’s Big Win
Houston made a comeback this year, with Thomas Bille of Belly of the Beast taking home the award for Best Chef: Texas. His restaurant, located in the northern suburb of Spring, serves up fine-dining Mexican cuisine. Bille was overwhelmed with emotion, saying, "I’m awestruck… I feel great. I feel that the past 20 years of working in the kitchen have culminated into this, where I’m able to receive accolades."
A Well-Deserved Win
Bille was up against four other talented chefs in his category, including Emmanuel Chavez of Tatemó, which recently received a Michelin star for its Mexican heirloom corn-focused tasting menu. Bille’s win was unexpected, but he hopes it will open doors to new opportunities and concepts. He plans to continue serving innovative and delicious food at Belly of the Beast.
The Journey to Success
Belly of the Beast first opened just five weeks before the pandemic hit, and although it survived the initial chaos, Bille chose to close the restaurant’s doors in July 2021. He went on to lead the kitchen at former restaurant Chivos in the Heights but ultimately left to revive his beloved concept. With the help of his wife, Bille relaunched Belly of the Beast in November 2023, pouring their life savings and credit into the restaurant without any financial backers.
Recognition and Accolades
Belly of the Beast has received numerous accolades, including a Bib Gourmand during Michelin’s award ceremony for its Texas guide last year. The Bib Gourmand recognizes restaurants that serve good food at moderate prices. This award, combined with Bille’s James Beard Award win, solidifies Belly of the Beast’s position as a top culinary destination in Houston.
The James Beard Awards: A Legacy of Excellence
The James Beard Awards are considered the pinnacle of recognition in the culinary world, honoring the best of the best in the country’s culinary community. This year marks the awards’ 35th anniversary, and they continue to celebrate the legacy of James Beard, America’s first "foodie." Beard rose to fame with his cookbooks, his stint as the host of the country’s first food program, and his work establishing the James Beard Cooking School.
Houston’s History of Excellence
Several Houstonians have won James Beard Awards in the past, including chef Benchawan Jabthong Painter, who made history as the first Houston-based chef to win the Best Chef: Texas category in 2023. Other notable winners include Hugo Ortega, Chris Shepherd, and Alba Huerta, who won the Outstanding Bar Program award in 2022.
Conclusion
Congratulations to all the winners of the 2025 James Beard Awards, including Thomas Bille and Arjav Ezekiel of Birdie’s in Austin. Although some local favorites fell short of a win, Houstonians can still be proud of their city’s culinary scene and look forward to next year’s awards. The James Beard Awards continue to celebrate excellence in food, and Houston’s winners are a testament to the city’s thriving culinary community.
