![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.casino.org\/vitalvegas\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/sarah_thompson_james_beard_award-845x563.jpg\")
First, some housekeeping. “Huitlacoche” is pronounced “weet-lah-KOH-chay.” It is a corn fungus used as a delicacy. Among chefs, “huitlacoche” is sometimes called Mexican truffle, or simply “corn smut.” No, really<\/a>. “Corn smut” sounds like a way to get around being shadowbanned on TikTok, but it’s a real thing.<\/p>\n Why are we spending time on this? Because our knowledge of corn smut, a term we are still not making up, shows conclusively that we are a noted food expert, which will come in handy as we pontificate about food and chefs and James Beard Awards. It’s called authority and gravitas, thank you.<\/p>\n Anyway, back to Chef Sarah Thompson!<\/p>\n Here’s some background on Thompson from a news release, because we need to give her some props before wandering off into the drama associated with this award: “Since Casa Playa opened in 2021, Thompson has built a reputation as a devoted mentor and champion of female chefs, leading a team that employs more than 50% women. She extends her influence beyond the kitchen through philanthropy and mentorship, supporting organizations like Hot Bread Kitchen, Friends of James Beard Foundation, Meals on Wheels, and Women’s Hospitality Initiative. She has also led multiple high-profile collaborations with some of the country’s most acclaimed chefs including Chef Joe Hou of Angler (San Francisco, CA) and Chef Johnny Curiel of Alma Fonda Fina (Denver, CO), spotlighting their talent and cementing Casa Playa as a gourmet destination.”<\/p>\n We love the chef already, despite the fact she makes Mexican food, which famously consists of the same four ingredients in different configurations. Do not hate on us for this joke! Blame comedian Jim Gaffigan circa 1996.<\/p>\n