James Beard Awards Honor Top Chefs in Mountain, California Regions

The 2025 James Beard Awards, considered among the highest honors in the culinary world, celebrated chefs and restaurateurs across the United States, with a notable focus on the contributions of immigrants in the food industry. Jon Yao of Kato in Los Angeles was named Best Chef: California, becoming the only Los Angeles winner this year, and used his acceptance speech to highlight the hardships faced by immigrant communities and advocate for their rights and dignity. Yao, whose restaurant serves contemporary Taiwanese cuisine through a Californian perspective, emphasized the importance of immigrant stories in shaping L.A.'s culinary landscape. Similarly, Salvador Alamilla of Amano in Caldwell, Idaho, won Best Chef in the Mountain division, earning praise for transforming Idaho’s culinary scene and representing the Latino community with excellence. The awards underscored how immigrant backgrounds and diverse cultural influences continue to reshape and enrich American dining. Winners receive significant recognition and prestige, often resulting in greater visibility and success for their establishments.