Kevin Binkley of Binkley’s Restaurant in Cave Creek and Shinji Kurita of ShinBay in Scottsdale are among 20 semifinalists for Best Chef Southwest honors, the James Beard Awards announced today.
In the culinary world’s equivalent of the Oscars, the Valley has two other semifinalists: Vincent on Camelback for Outstanding Restaurant and Sam Fox (Olive & Ivy, True Food Kitchen, Sauce, etc.)Â for Outstanding Restaurateur.
All except Kurita are repeat nominees.
The list of nominees will be narrowed to five finalists in each category on March 18. Winners will be announced May 6.
See the full list of semifinalists here.
