Alex Henry, the chef-owner of El Molino del Sureste in St. Louis’ Southampton neighborhood, has landed his first James Beard honor: a 2026 James Beard Award semifinalist spot in the Best Chef: Midwest category. The recognition puts a national spotlight on the restaurant’s Yucatán-rooted, regional Mexican cooking and the labor intensive techniques behind its dishes. For many St. Louis diners, the nod feels like more proof that local kitchens are steadily earning attention on the national stage.
James Beard semifinalist and timeline
The James Beard Foundation listed Henry as a 2026 Restaurant and Chef semifinalist in the Best Chef: Midwest category, calling it a key early step in the awards process. The foundation notes that finalists are set to be…..