Arizona has 15 semifinalists for 2025 James Beard Awards

🥇 Arizona has 15 semifinalists for 2025 James Beard Awards, the food and beverage industry’s version of the Oscars.

Best Chef Southwest (AZ, NM, NV, OK):

• Jose Contreras, Amelia’s Mexican Kitchen, Tucson
• Donald Hawk, Valentine, Phoenix
• Stephen Jones, The Larder & The Delta, Phoenix
• Bernie Kantak, Beginners Luck, Scottsdale
• Yotaka Martin, Lom Wong, Phoenix
• Cory Oppold, Course, Scottsdale

Emerging Chef: Lawrence “LT” Smith, Chilte, Phoenix

Best New Restaurant: Santo Arcadia, Phoenix

Outstanding Bakery: Patisserie Jacqui, Bisbee

Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker:

• Antonia Kane, Course, Scottsdale
• Crystal Kass, Valentine, Phoenix

Outstanding Hospitality: Kai, Gila River Indian Community

Outstanding Bar: Little Rituals, Phoenix

Best New Bar: Kid Sister, Phoenix

Outstanding Professional in Cocktail Service: Jax Donahue, Carry On, Phoenix

You can see the full list of semifinalists here. Finalists will be announced April 2 and winners June 16.

Last year, Arizona had 12 semifinalists. including Rene Andrade from Bacanora and Huarachis who won Best Chef Southwest.