Sunland Park Chef Up For Prestigious James Beard Award

The 2026 Semi-finalists for the super coveted James Beard Awards are out and New Mexico has several on it, including a Chef well known to El Pasoans and throughout the Borderland.

Read More: El Paso's Oldest Restaurants

One of the best destination spots for El Paso foodies is located in Sunland Park, New Mexico, a bit off the road and nestled snugly up against the mountain. ("Hidden" might be a better word.) In a quaint cluster of buildings, travel trailers and other eclectic items ... I think they even have a little putting green ... sits Ardovinos Desert Crossing.

This local legend was first established in 1949 by Frank Ardovino who operated it as a gambling house before going down the "fine dining" road. Following his death, it closed for about 20 years.

Who May Win The James Beard Award?

Ardovinos Chef Danny Calleros is up for the James Beard Best Chef/Southwest Award. Learn more about Chef Calleros or send him your best wishes on Instagram. Better yet, go see him at Ardovinos Desert Crossing - 1 Ardovino Drive, Sunland Park, NM, 88063 To make reservations, call 575-589-0653.

Ardovinos Keeps It Local

In 1997, Robert Ardovino and his sister completely renovated the place. When they reopened, one of the coolest, tastiest things they did was to keep things local and natural.

For more than 20 years, we have proudly expanded that vision to contribute and commit to the sustainable movement happening in our community. We endorse farms that are locally owned and family operated – from our own estate-grown produce and estate-raised hens, to our farming and ranching friends throughout the area; who grow exceptional products without the use of pesticides. - ardovinos.com

Ardovinos Is More Than Just A Restaurant

On top of that delicious, locally sourced food, Ardovinos offers lots of other fun and tasty stuff to see and do. Like:

• A Farmers Market
• "Yoga At the Market" with special guest Yoga instructors.
• "Sip and Paint" Parties hosted by La Buena Paint Parties.
• Food Literacy Classes
• Cooking demos
• Fun stuff for kids
• Gardening tips
• Vendor workshops