Two Mississippi chefs are in the national spotlight this week after being named semifinalists for the 2026 James Beard Awards, often referred to as the “Oscars of the Food World.”
Hunter Evans of Jackson’s Elvie’s and Austin Sumrall of Biloxi’s White Pillars have both been named semifinalists for Best Chef: South. The category remains one of the most competitive in the country, encompassing a diverse geographic footprint that includes Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Puerto Rico.
For Hunter Evans, the announcement has become a seasonal tradition. This year marks his fourth consecutive year as a semifinalist, a rare feat that underscores the staying power of Elvie’s. Since opening the Belhaven neighborhood bistro, Evans has garnered national acclaim for his ability to weave Mississippi ingredients into sophisticated, French-influenced dishes…