Reviewed by: Pat Byington
Adiõs co-founder named 2025 James Beard Award finalist
Reading time: 2 minutes
Today, the James Beard Foundation announced its 2025 Restaurant and Chef Award Nominees.
While three Alabama restauranteurs made it into the semifinals in January, only one advanced to the finals: Adiõs co-founder and beverage director Jose Medina Camacho.
Nominated for outstanding beverage service
Widely regarded as the Oscars of the culinary world, the James Beard Foundation honors outstanding hospitality leaders across the U.S..
Recognized for their creativity, innovation and excellence, past Birmingham winners include renowned chefs Frank Stitt, Adam Evans and Chris Hastings.
One of five honored professionals from around the country, Camacho was nominated for a new James Beard category: Outstanding Professional in Beverage Service.
Here is a description of the award:
“A service professional who curates and serves wine, beer, or other offerings such as sake, low- and non-alcoholic beverages in a restaurant or bar setting; or winery, distillery or brewery that also serves food. Candidate has set high standards; demonstrates creativity and consistency in excellence, innovation, hospitality; is making efforts to create a sustainable work culture; and has served as an exceptional example or mentor for other beverage professionals.”
James Beard Foundation
His fellow nominees include:
- Jacob Brown, Lazy Bear, San Francisco, CA
- Arjav Ezekial, Birdie’s, Austin, TX
- Cassandra Felix, Daniel, New York, NY
- Cristie Norman, Delilah, Las Vegas, NV
Another accolade for Adiõs
Receiving a nod from the prestigious James Beard Foundation is no surprise for anyone who has visited this lively and elegant downtown bar.
Since its inception in November 2023, the establishment has been featured nationally in Forbes Magazine for its festive drinks and named one of the 15 Best Tequila Bars in the U.S. by Food & Wine.
Want to know more about Birmingham and Alabama’s long history of James Beard Awards? Check out our recent story about The Magic City’s 16 past nominees and winners.
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