Bryce Bonsack snagged a semifinalist spot in the Best Chef category for the 2026 James Beard Awards. He earned it for his work at Rocca in Tampa. The James Beard Foundation released the semifinalist names Wednesday, which marks a win for Tampa Bay’s food scene.
The James Beard Foundation’s Restaurant and Chef Awards kicked off in 1990. They honor chefs and restaurants across 25 categories in different regions. Restaurants submit applications, then judges — who mostly stay anonymous — taste the food before casting votes. Nominees get evaluated on their food and on a code of ethics that includes how they handle employees.
Born & Bread Bakehouse in Lakeland also landed on the semifinalists list in the Outstanding Bakery category. This puts two Tampa Bay area spots in the running for what many call the Oscars of the food world…