SCOTTSDALE, AZ — An Arizona chef has just won one of the top awards in the food industry, a recognition that Time Magazine (and other writers since) have referred to as the "Oscars of the food world."
It is a James Beard Award from the James Beard Foundation.
And Charleen Badman, chef and co-owner of Fnb Restaurant in Scottsdale, Arizona, took home the top honor in the "Best Chef: Southwest" category on Monday night in Chicago. She has been named a semifinalist in that same category every year since 2014, according to the Foundation's online database.
Our Best Chef: Southwest Award goes to @CharleenBadman of FnB in Scottsdale, AZ #jbfa
— James Beard Foundation (@beardfoundation) May 7, 2019
Each year, the James Beard Foundation announces the semifinalists in a variety of categories. From there, the list is narrowed further to a list of five finalists. Then the winners are announced.
Back in February, ten Arizona chefs and restaurants were named semifinalists in categories, like: "Best Chef: Southwest," "Outstanding Baker," "Outstanding Chef," "Outstanding Restaurant," "Outstanding Service" and "Rising Star Chef of the Year." Badman was the only Arizona chef to make it to the final round.
And she won!
Badman opened FnB in 2009 with her business partner, Pavle Milic. FnB boasts a seasonal menu focused on Arizona's farmers and purveyors.
If you haven't been yet, you may want to make a reservation soon because with this recognition, there is a pretty dang good chance those reservations may go fast.
IF YOU GO:
FnB
7125 E. 5th Ave. Suite 31, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
http://www.fnbrestaurant.com
