2024 James Beard Foundation Awards Arizona Semifinalists
The James Beard Foundation® has announced its 2024 Restaurant and Chef Awards semifinalists and 12 Arizona chefs and restaurants were recognized (for a complete list of all semifinalists, go to the James Beard Foundation website).
The 2024 Restaurant and Chef Award Arizona Semifinalists are:
Best Chef: Southwest
Chefs who set high standards in their culinary skills and leadership abilities, and who are making efforts to help create a sustainable work culture in their respective regions.
Rene Andrade, Bacanora, Phoenix
Flavia Briones, Barista Del Barrio, Tucson
Pornsupak “Cat” Bunnag, Glai Baan, Phoenix
Wendy Garcia, Tumerico, Tucson
Sam Greenhalgh, Forêt, Flagstaff
Claudio Urciuoli, Source, Gilbert
Outstanding Restaurateur
A restaurateur who uses their establishment(s) as a vehicle for building community, demonstrates creativity in entrepreneurship, integrity in restaurant operations, and is making efforts to create a sustainable work culture, while contributing positively to their broader community.
Armando Hernandez and Nadia Holguin, Cocina Chiwas and Tacos Chiwas, Tempe and Phoenix
Emerging Chef
A chef who displays exceptional talent, character, and leadership ability, and who is likely to make a significant impact in years to come.
Roberto Centeno, Espiritu, Mesa
Best New Restaurant
A restaurant opened between October 1, 2022, through September 30, 2023 that already demonstrates excellence in cuisine, seems likely to make a significant impact in years to come, and demonstrates consistent excellence in food, atmosphere, hospitality, and operations, while contributing positively to its broader community
Ava Bakery, Phoenix
Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker
A pastry chef or baker who makes desserts, pastries, or breads. Candidate contributes positively to their broader community.
Crystal Kass, Valentine in Phoenix.
Outstanding Bar
This award is presented to a wine bar, beer bar, cocktail bar, coffee bar, or any other business whose primary offering is beverage and that demonstrates consistent excellence in curating a selection or in the preparation of drinks, along with outstanding atmosphere, hospitality, and operations, while contributing positively to its broader community
Little Rituals in downtown Phoenix
Outstanding Hospitality
A restaurant, bar, or other food and drinking establishment that fosters a sense of hospitality among its customers and staff that serves as a beacon for the community and demonstrates consistent excellence in food, atmosphere, hospitality, and operations, while contributing positively to its broader community.
Andreoli Italian Grocer, Scottsdale