Arizona once again has 12 semifinalists for James Beard Awards

🏅 For the second straight year, Arizona has 12 semifinalists for James Beard Awards, the culinary world’s version of the Oscars.

Let’s hope they fare better than last year’s semifinalists, none of whom made the finals.

2024 semifinalists

• Outstanding Restaurateur: Armando Hernandez and Nadia Holguin (pictured), Cocina Chiwas (Tempe) and Tacos Chiwas (Phoenix, Chandler, and Mesa)
• Emerging Chef: Roberto Centeno, Espiritu (Mesa)
• Best New Restaurant: Ava Bakery (Phoenix)
• Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker: Crystal Kass, Valentine (Phoenix)
• Outstanding Hospitality: Andreoli Italian Grocer (Scottsdale)
• Outstanding Bar: Little Rituals (Phoenix)
• Best Chef: Southwest: Rene Andrade, Bacanora (Phoenix)
• Best Chef: Southwest: Flavia Briones, Barista Del Barrio (Tucson)
• Best Chef: Southwest: Pornsupak “Cat” Bunnag, Glai Baan (Phoenix)
• Best Chef: Southwest: Wendy Garcia, Tumerico (Tucson)
• Best Chef: Southwest: Sam Greenhalgh, Forêt (Flagstaff)
• Best Chef: Southwest: Claudio Urciuoli, Source (Gilbert)

What’s next?

Finalists will be announced April 3 and winners on June 10.