Six Alabama Chefs Shine as James Beard 2026 Semifinalists
Six chefs from Alabama have earned recognition as semifinalists for the prestigious 2026 James Beard Awards. This announcement was made by the James Beard Foundation, a prominent authority in the culinary world.
Alabama’s Semifinalists
- Rob McDaniel – Bayonet, Birmingham
Nomination: Outstanding Chef - Kristen Hall – La Fête, Birmingham
Nomination: Best Chef (South) - Geri-Martha O’Hara and Ryan O’Hara – Pizza Grace, Birmingham
Nomination: Best Chef (South) - Jim Smith – The Hummingbird Way, Mobile
Nomination: Best Chef (South) - Eric Bennett – Continental Drift, Birmingham
Nomination: Outstanding Professional in Cocktail Service - Bottega, Birmingham
Nomination: Outstanding Hospitality
Chef Highlights
Rob McDaniel has been recognized as a semifinalist six times. His restaurant, Bayonet, opened in 2025 and quickly earned accolades, including a Michelin “Bib Gourmand” rating. It was also listed as one of the 50 best restaurants in America by The New York Times.
Kristen Hall, co-owner of La Fête, opened her Parisian-inspired wine bar and bistro in 2022 with Chef Victor King. The establishment has also received Michelin’s “Bib Gourmand” designation.
The husband-and-wife team of Geri-Martha and Ryan O’Hara acquired Pizza Grace in 2025. The restaurant was recognized as a semifinalist in the 2023 James Beard Awards and has been awarded a Michelin “Bib Gourmand” as well.
Eric Bennett is a seasoned bartender known for establishing Continental Drift in 2021, following successful pop-up events. He showcased his cocktail skills on “Jimmy Kimmel Live” in 2020.
Chef Jim Smith, with a notable background as Alabama’s former executive chef and a competitor on “Top Chef,” runs The Hummingbird Way. His restaurant promotes local seafood and produce, specializing in an upscale oyster bar experience.
Bottega, established in 1988 by Chef Frank Stitt, is acclaimed for its Southern-Italian cuisine. This year, the restaurant received a Michelin Outstanding Service Award and was included in Southern Living’s “20 Friendliest Places In The South.”
About the James Beard Awards
The James Beard Awards, initiated in 1990, shine a spotlight on excellence within the culinary realm. They acknowledge talent across various dining experiences, advocating for industry equity, sustainability, and communal growth.
Previous Winners from Alabama
- Adam Evans, Automatic Seafood and Oysters – Best Chef: South, 2022
- Highlands Bar and Grill – Outstanding Restaurant, 2018
- Dolester Miles, Highlands Bar and Grill – Outstanding Pastry Chef, 2018
- Chris Hastings, Hot and Hot Fish Club – Best Chef: South, 2012
- The Bright Star, Bessemer – America’s Classic, 2010
- Frank Stitt, Highlands Bar and Grill – Best Chef: Southeast, 2001
The 2026 James Beard Awards presentation will take place in Chicago from June 13-15, 2026. For more information on the semifinalists, visit Filmogaz.com.
