Chef Rios has been repeatedly honored for his innovative and pleasing combinations of flavors, colors and presentation. His unique style emphasizes fresh, local produce and organic meats and poultry, and reflects not only Southwestern and Asian influences but also his classic training in French technique. His list of accolades include the following:

• • Finalist in 2015, 2017, 2018 and now 2022 for the James Beard “Best Chef of the Southwest” Award
  • Semi-finalist for the 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2022 James Beard “Best Chef of the Southwest” Award
  • Appeared on PBS’ “Moveable Feast”
  • Appeared as a contestant on “Beat Bobby Flay”
  • Appeared on the Cooking Channel “United Tastes of America”
  • Appearing on the BBC America’s  “Chef Race: UK vs. US”
  • Named one of SAVEUR Magazine’s 2012 top 25 Nation-Wide “Tastemakers”
  • Featured on “Iron Chef America”
  • The only chef from New Mexico to have won the Robert Mondavi Culinary Award of Excellence
  • Under his leadership the Old House Restaurant was listed by Zagat’s Restaurant Survey as the best dining experience in New Mexico, and one of the best restaurants in the United States.
  • Chef of the Year by the City of Santa Fe
  • Chef of the Year twice by the State of New Mexico
  • Chef of the Year twice by the New Mexico Lodger’s Association
  • Named “Celebrated Chef” by the National Pork Council Featured in the Bon Appétit Magazine cover story “The American Restaurant: Our Favorite Places.”

Additional Awards

• Semi-finalist for the 2010 James Beard “Best New Restaurant in the US” Award
• Named Santa Fe Professional Business Woman of the Year 2014, Jennifer Rios
• Named Restaurant of the Year 2014 by the Santa Fe Reporter