Local News
Houston Chef Receives Prestigious James Beard Award
Chef Hugo Ortega changed the course of his life and moved from Mexico City to Houston when he was only 17-years-old. In the beginning, he faced the hardships of being a non-English speaking, undocumented dishwasher, but eventually, he transformed into a critically renowned chef, business owner, and family man. “What can I say. America is beautiful, and I am living the dream,” he said upon receiving his new, prestigious James Beard Award.
Chron.com says that Ortega truly landed on the radar of culinary greatness when he opened Hugo’s in 2002. “Hand-ground masa for tortillas, desserts from the chef’s brother, Ruben Ortega, plus longtime collaborator Sean Beck’s inventive wine list and agave-spirits cocktails all factored into the restaurant’s appeal,” they write. Ortega is also known for his work with restaurants Caracol and Xochi.
Houstonian foodies have recognized Ortega’s exceptional work for a while, and after being a finalist in the Best Chef Southwest category of the James Beard Awards for the past six years, he finally received the well-deserved honors!
The James Beard Awards are named for the “pioneer foodie” who helped transform American cuisine into a global sensation in the early 1900s. According to their website, the awards are held once a year in Chicago with a swanky ceremony and celebration.
