The annual James Beard Awards, the culinary world’s equivalent of the Oscars, have been canceled for 2020 and 2021 due to the coronavirus pandemic.
This year’s finalists in the various categories were announced May 4, and winners were to be crowned Sept. 25. Finalists included three chefs and a restaurant from the Valley:
- Chrysa Robertson (pictured on left) of Rancho Pinot in Scottsdale for Best Chef Southwest:
- Silvana Salcido Esparza (center) of Barrio Cafe in Phoenix for Best Chef Southwest;
- Jeff Smedstad (right) of Elote Cafe in Sedona for Best Chef Southwest:
- Pizzeria Bianco in Phoenix for Best Restaurant.
The awards also were canceled for 2021 because they recognize work from the previous year.
