From Wyoming to Alabama: Latino Chefs Lead the Way.
News from the Hispanic World in One Click
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Latino chefs and restaurant owners in places where not many Latinos live are getting big attention. They have been nominated for the 2025 James Beard Awards, which are very important in the food world, like winning an Oscar for cooking.
One of these chefs is Oscar Ortega, who lives in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. He grew up in Mexico City, then trained in cooking in Europe. Even though Wyoming is known more for cowboys than chocolate, he opened a bakery called Atelier Ortega. At first, it was hard. Some days, he didn’t sell anything. But over time, people fell in love with his desserts. He kept getting better by entering cooking contests around the world. He won awards and joined the official U.S. team. His bakery is now a finalist for Best Bakery in the James Beard Awards.
Another chef, Salvador Alamilla, owns Amano, a restaurant in Caldwell, Idaho. His food is inspired by family memories. He wants his guests to feel like they’re eating food made by their mom or grandparents. One of his most special dishes is birria en hoyo, a goat dish cooked underground using an old Mexican method. His family helps run the restaurant, including his wife, mom, aunts, and cousin. He also helps his community, like raising money for books by Latino authors. Alamilla is a finalist for Best Chef: Mountain Region.
In Birmingham, Alabama, José Medina Camacho was nominated for Best Beverage Service. He didn’t want to work in restaurants at first because he saw how hard it was for his parents. But once he started, he learned every job: dishwasher, cook, server, bartender, and manager. During the pandemic, he almost quit, but a friend encouraged him to open a bar. Now he owns Adiõs, a modern bar where he shares Mexican hospitality. At first, people expected chips and salsa. Now they ask about epazote, mezcal, and enjoy music in Spanish. He created drinks like a tequila martini with pickled watermelon.
All three of these men are showing the U.S. that Latino culture belongs everywhere, not just in big cities. Their food and drinks remind people of family, memories, and tradition. Even if they don’t win the awards, they are already making a big impact.
Oscar Ortega says that no matter what happens, he will keep trying to become even better. He still hopes to one day recreate the flan his late mother made a dessert he has never been able to get just right. He says her recipe is something special that lives in his memory.
