Jackson chef Hunter Evans and Biloxi chef Austin Sumrall are representing Mississippi once again as semifinalists in the prestigious 2026 James Beard Awards.
For more than 35 years, restaurateurs throughout the nation have sought recognition from the James Beard Foundation, a national nonprofit named after the renowned chef, cookbook author and television personality James Beard. The foundation annually recognizes exceptional culinary talent with semifinalist and finalist rounds of awards.
In total, the “Best Chef: South” category has 20 semifinalists from Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi and Puerto Rico…