Here Are Los Angeles’s 2025 James Beard Award Finalists | Eater LA
"Chef Daniel Castillo of this San Juan Capistrano barbecue restaurant was named a finalist in the 2025 James Beard Awards' restaurant and chef categories; finalists were announced on April 2 and winners will be revealed on June 16 at the Lyric Opera of Chicago. The James Beard Awards, often referred to as "the Oscars of food," added three new categories for 2025 — Best New Bar, Outstanding Professional in Beverage Service, and Outstanding Professional in Cocktail Service — and have faced recent scrutiny after canceling programming in 2020 and 2021 due to misbehavior and diversity concerns, prompting an internal audit and a shift in the Best Chef category to a regional model." - Rebecca Roland
