04/05/2026
As a former James Beard Foundation employee, this is exciting to have a local Tampa Bay Area chef be recognized to possibly receive one of the highest honors in the culinary world. This take me back to the fun days of planning the JB awards.👩🏻🍳
Michelin stars are all the rage, but Tampa’s culinary scene has something new to celebrate this week.
Bryce Bonsack, chef at Michelin-starred Tampa Heights Italian restaurant Rocca, is among the nominees in the 2026 James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards—with winners to be announced on June 15 during a ceremony in Chicago.
Bonsack, who is also involved at South Tampa’s Bar Terroir, is one of six finalists in the running for “Best Chef: South.”