PHOENIX NEW TIMES: FOOD & DRINK NEWS James Beard Awards Name 12 Arizona semifinalists

Last year was an unusual one in Arizona's relationship with the James Beard Awards. There was a strong showing in the semifinalist round, also with 12 chefs or restaurants in the running. 

But the strong start turned into a total washout when none of the Arizona semifinalists made it to the next round. We dubbed it the year's biggest snub.

NOTE THIS: 

Roberto Centeno, one of Arizona's best up-and-coming culinary talents, was in the spotlight on Tuesday, Oct. 18, when he won first place in an episode of the Food Network show "Chopped."

Centeno is the grill master at Bacanora, which was named one of the best new restaurants in America by Bon Appétit and Esquire magazines for its menu of elevated Sonoran dishes cooked over mesquite fire. Bacanora was also a James Beard Foundation award finalist and was given a rave five-star review by The Arizona Republic's dining critic Andi Berlin, in no small part thanks to that smoky flavor.

You can also try Centeno's cooking at the newly opened Espiritu in Mesa.

James Beard Awards Selects 12 Arizona semifinalists

Across seven categories, 12 Arizona chefs and restaurants made the first round. 

By Tirion Boan

January 24, 2024

2024 James Beard Award semifinalists in Arizona

Outstanding Restaurateur: Armando Hernandez and Nadia Holguin, Cocina Chiwas and Tacos Chiwas, Tempe and Phoenix 

Emerging Chef: Roberto Centeno, Espiritu, Mesa

Best New Restaurant: Ava Bakery, Phoenix

Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker: Crystal Kass, Valentine, Phoenix

Outstanding Hospitality: Andreoli Italian Grocer, Scottsdale 

Outstanding Bar: Little Rituals, Phoenix

Best Chef - Southwest:

• 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 

TIRION BOAN is the Food Editor at Phoenix New Times. Find her digging into all of the best restaurants and dishes in the Valley, from new spots to hidden gems. Food tip? Get in touch at tirion.boan@newtimes.com.

CONTACT: Tirion Boan

FOLLOW:

Instagram: @tirionrose