Not long ago, we celebrated something special. The 2026 James Beard semifinalists were announced, and El Paso showed up in a big way. Chef Andrés Pablos of Accá, Taconeta, and Gabe and Melissa Padilla of Café Piro in Socorro all represented the Sun City on a national stage, proving what locals have known for years: the Borderland’s culinary scene is no longer flying under the radar.
Every single one of those semifinalist nods mattered. Each one was earned. And we celebrated all of them.
Now the finalists are in, and El Paso is still in the room. Gabe and Melissa Padilla of Café Piro in Socorro have officially advanced to the finals for Best Chef: Texas, one of the most competitive categories in the entire awards program…