From Our Kitchen to the James Beard Finals
Every so often, a graduate reminds us exactly how far a culinary education can take you. This year, that graduate is Scott Girling.
Scott, a Culinary School of Fort Worth alumnus, has been named a 2026 James Beard Award finalist for Best Chef: Texas — one of the highest honors in American food. He earned the recognition for his work at Osteria il Muro, his restaurant in Denton, where he serves chef-driven Italian cooking rooted in technique and tradition.
His path there says a lot about where ambition and training can lead. After his time at CSFTW, Scott traveled to Calabria, Italy, to study at the Italian Culinary Institute, immersing himself in the regional cooking that now defines his restaurant. Today, he stands among the most celebrated chefs in the state.
Scott’s recognition lands during a standout season for DFW’s food scene, which was also celebrated at the 2026 CultureMap Tastemaker Awards. You can read more about his James Beard nod and the chefs shaping Texas dining over at CultureMap.
We’re proud to count Scott among our graduates — and prouder still of what his story represents: that the foundation built in our kitchen can carry a chef all the way to the national stage.
Want to learn more about the program that helped shape chefs like Scott?
