The 2026 James Beard Award semifinalists were announced Wednesday morning, and Reyes Mezcaleria and Sparrow Wine Bar executive chef-partner Wendy Lopez has earned a nomination for Best Chef: South.
“Wow! Wow! This is crazy!” said Lopez. “I’m shaking right now. My skin doesn’t feel like it’s on my body. I feel like I’m having an out-of-body experience!”
No other Orlando-area chefs, restaurants or restaurateurs were nominated, though Tony Elkhouri of Melbourne’s Cedar’s Cafe was nominated in the Best Chef: South category and Lakeland’s Born & Bread Bakehouse was nominated for Outstanding Bakery…