Arizona Semifinalists for the 2022 James Beard Foundation Restaurant and Chef Awards
The James Beard Foundation® has announced its 2022 Restaurant and Chef Awards semifinalists and 15 Arizona chefs and restaurants were recognized (for a complete list of all semifinalists, go to James Beard Foundation website).
The 2022 Restaurant and Chef Award Arizona Semifinalists are:
Best Chef: Southwest (AZ, NM, NV, OK)
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.
Lori Hashimoto, Hana Japanese Eatery, Phoenix
John Martinez, Tito & Pep, Tucson, AZ
Maria Mazon, BOCA Tacos y Tequila, Tucson, AZ
Giovanni Scorzo, Andreoli Italian Grocer, Scottsdale, AZ
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.
Chris Bianco, Tratto, Pane Bianco, and Pizzeria Bianco, Phoenix
Outstanding Chef
A chef who sets high culinary standards and has served as a positive example for other food professionals.
Christopher Gross, Christopher's, Phoenix
Stephen Jones, The Larder + The Delta, Phoenix
Outstanding Restaurant
A restaurant that demonstrates consistent excellence in food, atmosphere, hospitality, and operations while contributing positively to its broader community.
ShinBay, Scottsdale, AZ
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.
Rochelle Daniel, Atria, Flagstaff, AZ
Donald Hawk, Valentine, Phoenix
Best New Restaurant
A restaurant opened in 2020 or 2021 that already demonstrates excellence in cuisine and hospitality and seems likely to make a significant impact in years to come.
Bacanora, Phoenix
Outstanding Pastry Chef
A pastry chef or a chef who makes desserts, pastries, or breads served as part of a meal. Candidate demonstrates exceptional skills and can be affiliated with any food business and does not need a brick-and-mortar presence.
Mark Chacón, Chacónne Patisserie, Phoenix
Outstanding Baker
A baker of breads, pastries, or desserts who displays exceptional skill. Must consistently sell goods directly to the public, but does not need a brick-and-mortar presence and must have been working as a pastry chef or baker for the past three years.
Don Guerra, Barrio Bread, Tucson, AZ
Outstanding Hospitality
A restaurant that demonstrates consistent and excellent hospitality and service to its dining community, while also making efforts to provide a sustainable work culture.
Binkley's, Phoenix
Outstanding Wine Program
A restaurant or bar that demonstrates excellence in wine service through a carefully considered wine list and a well-informed approach to helping customers choose and drink wine. Makes efforts to create and foster a diverse portfolio of wines and wine team members.
Kai, Phoenix