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Boise Lands Two Finalists for Prestigious James Beard Awards
A Basque restaurant and a downtown cocktail bar earn national nominations.
Mar. 31, 2026 at 4:18pm
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Boise's culinary scene earns national recognition with two James Beard Award finalists, highlighting the city's diverse food and drink offerings.Boise TodayTwo Boise establishments have been named finalists for the 2026 James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards, the prestigious honors often referred to as the 'Oscars of the culinary world.' Ansots Basque Chorizos & Catering is nominated for Outstanding Hospitality, while Bar Please! is a finalist for Best New Bar. No other Idaho restaurants, bars, or chefs made the finalist cut this year.
Why it matters
The James Beard Awards are considered the highest accolade in the food and beverage industry, so these nominations represent a major achievement for Boise's growing culinary scene. Only three James Beard Award winners have come from Idaho in the history of the awards, so these finalists have a chance to put Boise on the national gastronomic map.
The details
Ansots Basque Chorizos & Catering, which has served traditional Basque cuisine with a focus on chorizos for the past six years, is a finalist for Outstanding Hospitality. Co-owner Dan Ansotegui is also a three-time Best Chef: Mountain semifinalist. Bar Please!, a cocktail destination that opened in 2024 in the same building as the modern speakeasy Thick as Thieves, is a finalist for Best New Bar.
- Ansots Basque Chorizos & Catering has been serving Boise diners for the past six years.
- Bar Please! opened in 2024 in downtown Boise.
- The James Beard Award winners will be announced on June 15, 2026 in Chicago.
The players
Ansots Basque Chorizos & Catering
A Boise restaurant that has served traditional Basque cuisine with a focus on chorizos for the past six years.
Bar Please!
A cocktail bar that opened in 2024 in downtown Boise, located in the same building as the modern speakeasy Thick as Thieves.
Dan Ansotegui
The co-owner of Ansots Basque Chorizos & Catering who is also a three-time Best Chef: Mountain semifinalist in the James Beard Awards.
Adam and Amanda Hanby
The owners of Bar Please! and the modern speakeasy Thick as Thieves in downtown Boise.
What’s next
The winners of the 2026 James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards will be announced on June 15 during a ceremony at the Lyric Opera of Chicago.
The takeaway
These James Beard Award nominations represent a significant milestone for Boise's culinary scene, showcasing the city's growing reputation as a destination for exceptional food and drink. The recognition of Ansots and Bar Please! on the national stage could inspire more talented chefs and bartenders to bring their skills to Idaho's capital city.
