Salud Taqueria hosting James Beard Award watch party for nominee José Medina Camacho

The 2025 James Beard Awards are just around the corner, and Birmingham has someone local to root for. José Medina Camacho—co-owner and beverage director at Adiõs—is one of five finalists from around the country nominated for Outstanding Professional in Beverage Service.

We spoke with José to learn more about the nomination and what it means for Adiõs.

Birmingham’s José Medina Camacho nominated for James Beard Award

It was early on the morning of Wednesday, January 22nd that José Medina Camacho learned that he had been nominated for a James Beard Award.

“I was still in bed because I had worked late the night before, and I started getting a little agitated that my phone was blowing up. When I woke up enough to realize what had happened, I was overcome with emotion.

As long as I’ve been in the industry, I’ve fought to bring attention to the beverage scene in Birmingham. To be nominated for a James Beard Award—especially in the beverage category—is an incredible honor that still doesn’t feel real.”

José Medina Camacho, Co-owner and Beverage Director, Adiõs

Often described as the “Oscars of the food world,” the James Beard Awards are an annual award ceremony that recognizes exceptional talent and achievement in the culinary arts. Several Birmingham chefs and restaurants have become James Beard Award winners over the years, including:

• Chef Adam Evans, Automatic Seafood & Oysters | Best Chef in the South, 2022
• Highlands Bar & Grill | Outstanding Restaurant in America, 2018
• Dolester Miles, Highlands Bar & Grill | Outstanding Pastry Chef in America, 2018
• Frank Stitt, Highlands Bar & Grill | Best Chef in the Southeast, 2001
• Chris Hastings, Hot & Hot Fish Club | Best Chef in the South, 2012
• The Bright Star | America’s Classic award, 2010
• Rodney Scott, Rodney Scott’s BBQ | Best Chef in the Southeast, 2018

This year, the James Beard Foundation introduced three new categories:

• Best New Bar
• Outstanding Professional in Beverage Service
• Outstanding Professional in Cocktail Service

José Medina Camacho was one of five professionals from around the country nominated for Outstanding Professional in Beverage Service.

Camacho’s James Beard Award nomination is far from the first accolade received by Adiõs.

Although the cozy cocktail bar is still a few months shy of its third birthday, it’s been featured in Forbes magazine, named a Spirited Awards honoree and ranked among the top 15 places to drink tequila in the country by Food & Wine. Camacho attributes Adiõs’ success to its staff and customers.

“I can’t do this by myself; my staff are the ones who carry out our vision of outstanding service and excellent drinks on a daily basis. And we couldn’t do this without our loyal customers—I have guests come in all the way from Chicago, New York and Los Angeles who tell me they visited based on the recommendation of a friend.

Adiõs is a very young concept, so its an honor to be on people’s lists at this stage in our journey.”

José Medina Camacho, Co-owner and Beverage Director, Adiõs

Celebrate José Medina Camacho and Adiõs at the James Beard Award watch party, June 16

While José Medina Camacho is at the James Beard Award Ceremony in Chicago, his fans and colleagues will be cheering him on at an extended Happy Hour and special James Beard watch party hosted at Salud Taqueria—and you’re invited!

• What: James Beard Watch Party
• Where: Salud Taqueria, 1931 2nd Ave N #101, Birmingham, AL 35203
• When: Monday, June 16 | 5:30PM

Planning to attend the James Beard watch party at Salud Taqueria? Tag us @bhamnow to let us know!