Achatz, whose world-renowned fine dining restaurant, Alinea, was built on the ethos of near constant change and creativity, is no stranger to the swerves of life.

A Tampa chef was among the James Beard Awards semifinalists announced Wednesday. Why it matters: The nod to Michelin-starred Rocca owner and executive chef Bryce Bonsack in the Best Chef: South category ends a five-year drought of Beard Awards recognition of Tampa Bay's food scene.