Arizona's James Beard Nominees

The James Beard Foundation included several Arizona restaurants and chefs in its list of 2024 award nominees. Among them are:

Outstanding Restaurateur 

• Armando Hernandez and Nadia Holguin, Cocina Chiwas and Tacos Chiwas, Tempe and Phoenix

Best New Restaurant

• Ava Bakery, Phoenix

Emerging Chef

• Roberto Centeno, Espiritu, Mesa

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

The awards will be presented in Chicago in June. 

ABOUT THE JAMES BEARD FOUNDATION 

The James Beard Foundation (JBF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that celebrates and supports the people behind America’s food culture, while pushing for new standards in the restaurant industry to create a future where all have the opportunity to thrive. Established over 30 years ago, the Foundation has highlighted the centrality of food culture in our daily lives and is committed to supporting a resilient and flourishing industry that honors its diverse communities.