HOUSTON – The Houston restaurant Jūn is cooking up some exciting things in 2024.
It was recently named as a semifinalist for a James Beard Award along with 10 other Houston restaurants and chefs.
The two chefs of the restaurant said they were at a loss for words when they heard they were nominated for best new restaurant in the United States.
“We were definitely just so humbled. We’re in here every night trying to do our best, and it’s amazing when it gets recognized,” Jūn Chef Evelyn Garcia said.
Chef Henry Lu said they serve New Asian American food, and it is an homage to their upbringing in a multicultural environment.
They also named the restaurant Jūn after the month June since Garcia and her mother and Lu’s sister were born during this month, and they made the restaurant possible.
“The food definitely reflects all that, the love and the family,” Lu said.
The chefs said that to be nominated, James Beard committee members visit the restaurants undercover.
Lu said they always try to do their best, so every guest gets the same experience.
Now, the James Beard Foundation has noticed their efforts, and the chefs said they are excited.