Mobile Chef Jim Smith Named A James Beard Semifinalist

Six Alabama chefs and one restaurant have been announced as semifinalists for the 2026 James Beard Awards, one of the food and beverage world’s most prestigious honors, including one semifinalist from Mobile: Jim Smith of The Hummingbird Way in Mobile for Best Chef (South), AL.com reports. Smith is a former executive chef for the State of Alabama, a Top Chef competitor and a Great American Seafood Cook-Off winner. The restaurant offers an upscale oyster bar that creates memorable dishes using local seafood, produce and more. The James Beard Awards recognize exceptional talent in the culinary and food media industries, as well as a demonstrated commitment to equity, sustainability and creating a culture where all can thrive.