Two Bentonville chefs are represented among the semifinalists in this year’s James Beard Foundation Awards, one of the nation’s most prestigious culinary honors.
Rafael Rios, owner and founder of Yeyo’s El Alma de Mexico, is a semifinalist in the Best Chef: South (AL, AR, FL, LA, MS, PR) category. Rios was a semifinalist in the same category in 2020, 2022 and 2023. Yeyo’s also made The New York Times 2022 Restaurant List. Rios opened Yeyo’s in 2017 after operating a food truck for several years.
Novo StudioChef Rafael Rios garnishes pozole.
El Alma de Mexico is translated as “the soul of Mexico.” Rios told Brian Sorensen in an interview for the Arkansas Times that the name fits the place because it embodies the best of Mexican culture. “It’s the flagship for Mexican food, in my opinion,” Rios said. “It’s affordable, approachable and simple, but complex in its preparation.”
Matthew Cooper, owner and founder of Conifer, is also a semifinalist in the Best Chef: South category. Cooper opened Conifer, which features a 100% gluten-free menu, in 2022 after spending six years as the founding chef of The Preacher’s Son. He previously worked in Little Rock at Cache Restaurant, Lulav and the Chenal Country Club.
From Brian Sorensen’s Arkansas Times profile on Cooper in 2022:
Much has been written already about Cooper’s dedication to a gluten-free menu and his reliance on local producers for ingredients. Farm-to-table is a growing trend in Northwest Arkansas, and Cooper is at the forefront.
The region, however, is still in the early stages of self-sustainment. There are a number of quality farmers in the area, but there’s also a shortage of certain basic ingredients needed by restaurants. Cooper sees the need for more, and he plans to address some of that need himself.
“I’m going to build a farm here for this restaurant and to meet the needs of the community,” he said. “Even if it’s only 2 acres where we grow carrots, onions and celery.”
The James Beard Foundation will announce the nominees on Wednesday, April 3. The winners will be celebrated at the James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards ceremony on Monday, June 10, at the Lyric Opera of Chicago.
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