Arizona's food scene is grabbing the national spotlight, with a spread of chefs and eateries from the Grand Canyon state snagging semifinalist nods in the prestigious James Beard Foundation awards. Among the thirteen recognized for their culinary prowess, Tucson chefs Wendy Garcia and Flavia Briones have reason to double down on the celebration, basking in the high of being in the running for the esteemed Best Chef Southwest accolade, as This Is Tucson reported. While Garcia's Tumerico earned Yelp's recognition as a top spot to eat nationwide, Briones' Barista del Barrio grabbed the limelight for their breakfast burrito bliss.
Garcia, a second-time James Beard Award semifinalist, said she was "pumping" with anticipation before confirming her restaurant's status on the list. "Oh yes, we made it,” she told This Is Tucson, just before the lunch crowd started to roll in. Briones, on the other hand, having opened her restaurant with no business or cooking experience prior, was trying to wrap her head around the news, in a state of disbelief at her establishment's rapid climb to national recognition.
Not to be outdone, Phoenix is also home to semifinalists like Rob Centeno of Espiritu Cocktails and Comida and Crystal Kass of Valentine, as per reports from Phoenix Business Journal. Centeno's mixing up his game, shifting from last year's Best Chef Southwest Region semifinalist for his Sonoran restaurant, Bacanora, to this year's Emerging Chef category. And for consecutive delight, Kass finds herself once more in the running for outstanding pastry chef or baker.
Alongside these individual talents, the state boasts nominations in categories like Outstanding Restaurateur for Armando Hernandez and Nadia Holguin, and Best New Restaurant for Ava Bakery, a go-to spot for Iranian sandwiches in Phoenix. Scottsdale's Andreoli Italian Grocer is back for another shot at Outstanding Hospitality under Giovanni Scorzo's leadership. Meanwhile, Little Rituals, a Phoenix favorite, is up again for the Outstanding Bar award, last nominated for the accolade in 2020, according to more coverage by the Phoenix Business Journal.
The James Beard Foundation echoed the sentiment of appreciation for the culinary community. "We are so excited to honor this year’s semifinalists who embody the spirit of excellence that defines the James Beard Awards," Vice President of Awards Dawn Padmore hailed. With the nominations now public knowledge, chefs and food aficionados alike await April 3, when finalists will be revealed, followed by awards being doled out in Chicago come June 10.
