

Photo via Guelaguetza on Facebook

The James Beard Foundation announced their annual list of five restaurants for their Classics Awards, and local favorite Guelaguetza was one of the restaurants honored.

Fernando Lopez opened the vibrant restaurant in 1994 in Koreatown, bringing regional Oaxacan fare to Olympic Boulevard. They are known for their excellent moles, mezcals, and tlayudas, as well as their buzzing atmosphere and live entertainment.

"It really is the biggest honor and we feel so blessed and thankful to everyone who has supported us through the years. My father came to this country with a dream and I feel so blessed that everyday I get to wake up and continue on the legacy he has left for us in this country," says Bricia Lopez, who now operates the restaurant with her brother and sister Fernando Jr. and Paulina. "If it wasn't because my parents made the decision to migrate to this country 21 years ago, this would have never happened."

Guelaguetza will be honored at the annual awards ceremony on May 4, which this year has been moved from New York to Chicago.