Caldwell, Idaho — Chef Salvador Alamilla, co-owner of Amano restaurant, has received one of the culinary world’s highest honors: the James Beard Award for Best Chef in the Mountain Region. This region includes Idaho, Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, and Montana.
Alamilla’s win marks a historic moment for Idaho’s culinary scene. He is just the second chef from the state to receive a James Beard honor, following Boise’s Kris Komori in 2023.
A native of Mexico who grew up in Santa Ana, California, Alamilla opened Amano in 2019 alongside his wife, Rebecca. The restaurant has earned widespread acclaim for its focus on traditional Mexican flavors, particularly its use of handmade masa and mezcal in dishes inspired by Oaxacan and Michoacán cuisine.
A Rising Star with National Recognition
A four-time James Beard semifinalist or finalist, Alamilla has steadily grown a loyal following. In 2023, Amano was named to The New York Times’ list of the 50 most exciting restaurants in the U.S.
This latest award comes during a year of major milestones for Amano. The restaurant recently moved into a new, larger location at 802 Arthur Street in Caldwell, where it hosted a grand reopening in May.
“This new space reflects the growth and vision of Amano,” said Rebecca Alamilla during the ribbon-cutting event. “We’re excited to welcome our community into a place we’re proud to call home.”
Celebrating Culture Through Cuisine
Amano’s approach to food is deeply rooted in cultural heritage. The restaurant operates under the P’urhepecha principle of Kaxúmbekua — a philosophy centered on inclusion and community — and emphasizes ancestral techniques in its preparation.
The Idaho Hispanic Foundation praised the win as a cultural victory, highlighting Amano’s role in elevating awareness and appreciation of authentic Mexican cuisine in the state.
The James Beard Foundation Awards are considered the pinnacle of recognition in American dining. Winning chefs are selected not only for culinary excellence but also for their leadership and impact on their communities.
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