Fifteen Arizona chefs and restaurants have been announced as semifinalists for this year’s James Beard Awards, the culinary world’s equivalent of the Oscars:
- Best Chef Southwest: Lori Hashimoto (Hana Japanese Eatery, Phoenix), Giovanni Scorzo (Andreoli Italian Grocer, Scottsdale), John Martinez (Tito & Pep, Tucson), and Maria Mazon (BOCA Tacos y Tequila, Tucson);
- Outstanding Restaurateur: Chris Bianco (Tratto, Pane Bianco, and Pizzeria Bianco, Phoenix);
- Outstanding Chef: Christopher Gross (Christopher’s, Phoenix) and Stephen Jones (The Larder & The Delta, Phoenix);
- Emerging Chef: Rochelle Daniel (Atria, Flagstaff) and Donald Hawk (Valentine, Phoenix);
- Outstanding Pastry Chef: Mark Chacón (Chacónne Patisserie, Phoenix);
- Outstanding Baker: Don Guerra (Barrio Bread, Tucson);
- Outstanding Restaurant: ShinBay, Scottsdale;
- Best New Restaurant: Bacanora, Phoenix;
- Outstanding Hospitality: Binkley’s, Phoenix;
- Outstanding Wine Program: Kai, Chandler.
Winners will be announced June 13.
