James Beard Finalists

Two Houston chefs will have the chance to be James Beard award winners

Hugo Ortega is a six-time James Beard finalist.

Photo courtesy of Four Seasons Hotel Houston

Houston chefs will have the opportunity to win back-to-back James Beard Best Chef: Southwest awards. On Wednesday, the Beard Foundation announced that two men are finalists for the award: Hugo Ortega (Hugo's) and Jianyun Ye (Mala Sichuan Bistro).

That makes six years in a row that Ortega has been recognized as a James Beard finalist. It is Ye's first finalist nomination. They'll be competing against Bryce Gilmore (Barley Swine in Austin), Steve McHugh (Cured in San Antonio), Steve Redzikowski (Acorn in Denver), and Martin Rios (Restaurant Martin in Santa Fe, New Mexico).

Houston chefs earned the most semifinalists nominations of any Texas city; today's announcement continues the city's strong trend with Houston being the only city in the Southwest region to have multiple finalists. None of the other Houston nominees, which included Anvil Bar & Refuge, William Wright, and Tracy Vaught, advanced to the finalist round.

After Underbelly chef-owner Chris Shepherd ended the city's 22-year long drought by winning the award in 2014, Oxheart chef-owner Justin Yu followed it by winning last year.

Considered to be the Oscars of the culinary award, the awards recognize chefs, front of house professionals, restaurateurs, and media in a broad array of categories. Voters consist of a volunteer panel of more than 600 judges from across the country, including local critics, culinary educators, and past winners.

The awards will be presented on May 1 in Chicago. The media awards will be presented in New York City on April 25.

chefs awards

blinded with science

New York's science-themed holiday bar shakes up the Museum District

Courtesy of Drunken Lab

Conduct holiday-themed science experiments at the LIT-Mas Spectacular.

A taste of Manhattan has made its way to Houston with the immersive LIT-Mas Spectacular holiday pop-up. From now until January 12, Houstonians can discover the hype behind New York City’s The Drunken Lab that's known for its unique blend of science and cocktails.

This pop-up marks the first expansion for The Drunken Lab’s parent company, Science and Sip, a concept created to make science accessible and unforgettable. Attendees can dive into holiday-themed science experiments — including explosive endothermic reactions — while enjoying festive cocktails in a winter wonderland setting enhanced with a live DJ. Appropriately, the pop-up is located in the Museum District at 4715 Main Street.

“Houston was the perfect next step for Science and Sip,” founder Cautney Nelson said in a statement. “The city’s vibrant culture, love of celebration, and ties to science through world-famous programs like NASA aligns beautifully with our mission to blend entertainment with discovery.”

Visitors enter a world filled with larger-than-life gingerbread decor and candy-inspired installations where light bulbs and laboratory flasks have been transformed into quirky beverage containers. Admission includes one cocktail or mocktail, a lab coat and goggles, and two to three science experiments. Add-ons like cocktail-filled ornament “Booze Balls” and Grinch-inspired pouches in festive red and green add an extra dose of holiday charm.

“We’re thrilled to host guests for an immersive holiday experience that merges festive fun with curiosity,” Nelson added. “With each pop-up, we aim to create a space where a great party and exploration come together, and we’re excited to see how Houston embraces The LIT-Mas Spectacular.”

A portion of the proceeds from LIT-Mas will benefit Millennial Scnce, a nonprofit founded by Nelson that provides students with accessible STEM resources and educational opportunities.

Tickets are available for Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, with showtimes at 2:30 pm, 6 pm, and 9 pm. Private party and group bookings are also available.

Courtesy of Drunken Lab

Conduct holiday-themed science experiments at the LIT-Mas Spectacular.

cocktails holidays museum district nightlife

James Beard Finalists

Two Houston chefs will have the chance to be James Beard award winners

blinded with science

New York's science-themed holiday bar shakes up the Museum District

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