PHOENIX — Way to go, Arizona!
Ten Arizona chefs and restaurants have been named semifinalists in the 2019 James Beard Awards, an honor that some consider to be the "Oscars" of the restaurant and food industry. This year's semifinalists cover a variety of categories, including outstanding baker, outstanding chef, outstanding restaurant, rising star chef of the year, and best chef: southwest.
A panel of 600 judges will then narrow the list to a group of finalists, which will be announced in May.
View this year's Arizona nominees below. View the full list of nominees, here.
Outstanding Baker
Don Guerra, Barrio Bread, Tucson, AZ
Outstanding Chef
Chrysa Robertson, Rancho Pinot, Scottsdale, AZ
Outstanding Restaurant
El Charro Café, Tucson, AZ
Outstanding Service
Kai Restaurant, Chandler, AZ
Rising Star Chef of the Year
Samantha Sanz, Talavera at the Four Seasons, Scottsdale, AZ
Cassie Shortino, Tratto, Phoenix
Best Chef: Southwest
Charleen Badman, FnB, Scottsdale, AZ
Kevin Binkley, Binkley’s Restaurant, Phoenix
Nadia Holguin, Roland’s Cafe Market Bar, Phoenix
Silvana Salcido Esparza, Barrio Café Gran Reserva, Phoenix
Last year, Tucson's El Guero Canelo received the "American's Classics" award for its Sonoran hot dog.
