Congrats to Chrysa Robertson of Rancho Pinot in Scottsdale, Silvana Salcido Esparza of Barrio Cafe in Phoenix and Jeff Smedstad of Elote Cafe in Sedona, who were named finalists for Best Chef Southwest in the prestigious James Beard Awards.
Pizzeria Bianco in Phoenix made the finals for Outstanding Restaurant.
The annual awards are the culinary world’s version of the Oscars. Arizona had 22 semifinalists in various categories; finalists had been scheduled to be announced in March until the coronavirus pandemic hit.
Winners, which originally were scheduled to be announced today, will be announced Sept. 25.
Charleen Badman, chef and co-owner of FnB in Scottsdale, won Best Chef Southwest last year to end a 12-year drought by Arizona chefs.
This year’s other finalists for Best Chef Southwest are Dan Krohmer of Other Mama in Las Vegas, James Trees of Esther’s Kitchen in Las Vegas, and Jonathan Perno of Campo in Los Ranchos de Albuquerque, N.M.
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