08/09/2026
A milestone moment for Tucson.
This week, JosĆ© Contreras, chef and owner of Ameliaās Mexican Kitchen, will make history as the first chef from Tucson to cook in New York City.
In 2025, Ameliaās Mexican Kitchen was named a James Beard Award semifinalist for Best Chef: Southwest, recognizing talent and the depth of Tucsonās culinary community.
On Tuesday, August 11, Chef Contreras will take Tucson to New York City for a featured dinner at the James Beard Foundationās Platform at Pier 57.
The evening celebrates the rich culinary traditions of Mexicoās Pacific coast, from the shores of Oaxaca to the Sea of Cortez in Sonora. Drawing on traditional masa as the foundation, the chefs will pair heirloom corn preparations with fresh seafood and wild greens, dishes deeply rooted in their personal histories and upbringings.
A proud moment for Chef Contreras, for Ameliaās, and for all of Tucson. Our city is taking its place at the table. š½š½ļø