Houston chef Hugo Ortega honored with James Beard Award

Renowned Houston chef Hugo Ortega has been honored with a prestigious James Beard Award.

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Houston chef Hugo Ortega of Hugo's restaurants walked away with the prestigious James Beard Award in the Best Chef category for the Southwest region.

Ortega was nominated for the prestigious award in the earlier part of 2017.

He was nominated as a finalist six times before. Oretga is the third winner to represent the Bayou City in four years.

PHOTOS: Houston-area James Beard nominees

PHOTOS: James Beard semifinalists in Houston

After much anticipation, chefs finally found out who won when Jesse Tyler Ferguson of 'Modern Family' announced the winners at the awards gala in Chicago on Monday night.

LET'S EAT: Recipes from Hugo's

Chilaquiles

Chilaquiles: Traditional Mexican Dish

Do you like enchiladas? Chilaquiles are basically the same ingredients, but with a lot less work and Chef Hugo Ortega from Hugo's and Caracol is sharing his secret on the best way to prepare this traditional Mexican dish.

Creamy Flan de Maiz

Let's Eat: Flan from Hugo's

Add some custardy flair to your holiday meals! Whip up a batch of Chef Hugo Ortega's delicious flan de maiz.

Garnachas de calabacitas

Garnachas de Calabacitas

Mexican dishes are a crowd favorite, but they're often loaded with cheese and fatty ingredients. However, giving up Mexican food is not an option, which means we need recipes we can eat and still feel good about it.

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