B'ham Bartender Shakes Up James Beard Finals!

Only one Alabama culinary star is still in the running for a 2025 James Beard Award, and it's shaking things up in the beverage world!

Adiõs to the Competition!

Birmingham's own José Medina Camacho, the mastermind behind Adiõs cocktail bar and Salud taqueria, is a finalist for Outstanding Professional in Beverage Service. Talk about a reason to raise a glass!

Making the Cut

The James Beard Foundation revealed its finalists on April 2nd, narrowing down the semifinalists from January. The winners will be revealed on June 16th at the Lyric Opera in Chicago.

From Birmingham to the Windy City

"I’m incredibly honored to be listed amongst all the other professionals,” said Medina Camacho. “I’m looking forward to getting to Chicago. It was always a dream to be nominated." He's up against some stiff competition from San Francisco, Austin, New York, and Vegas. Go get 'em, José!

Southern Chefs Fall Short

Unfortunately, chefs David Bancroft from Acre in Auburn and Arwen Rice from Red or White in Mobile didn't make the cut for Best Chef: South. Better luck next time! This category covers a wide swath of the South, and this year, chefs from Puerto Rico, Arkansas, and Florida will be battling it out.