The James Beard Award semifinalists for 2011 were announced this morning, and Kevin Binkley of Cave Creek’s Binkley’s Restaurant and Silvana Salcido Esparza of Phoenix’s Barrio Café (both pictured) once again are in contention for Best Chef – Southwest.
A third Arizona chef, John Sharpe from the Turquoise Room in Winslow, also is a semifinalist.
The five finalists for the award will be announced March 21. Nine Arizonans have won the Best Chef – Southwest award, more than any other state.
In other categories, Nobuo at Teeter House is a semifinalist for Best New Restaurant. Andrew Ashmore (The Greene House) and Greg LaPrad (Quiessence) are up for Rising Star Chef (under 30 years old).
Other Arizona nominees include:
- Sam Fox for Outstanding Restaurateur
- Mark Tarbell of Tarbell’s for Outstanding Wine Service
- Vincent Guerithault for Outstanding Restaurant
- Tucson’s Janos Wilder for Outstanding Chef
Arizona chefs on James Beard Award 2011 semifinalist list [AZ Central]
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