Semifinalists for the James Beard Awards were announced this week. They’re among the top honors in the food industry.
A number of Arizona chefs and restaurants were nominated, including Lori Hashimoto.
Hashimoto is chef and co-owner of Hana Japanese Eatery in Phoenix. She was nominated in the Best Chef in the Southwest category.
She comes from a food family and has deep roots in the Valley. Her dad was a commercial vegetable farmer in Arizona, her mom is a cooking school teacher and her step-father was an executive chef.
The Show spoke with her to learn her reaction to the nomination.
All 2022 James Beard Awards semifinalists in Arizona
Outstanding Restaurateur
• Chris Bianco, Tratto, Pane Bianco, and Pizzeria Bianco, Phoenix
Outstanding Chef
• Christopher Gross, Christopher’s, Phoenix
Outstanding Restaurant
• ShinBay, Scottsdale, AZ
Emerging Chef
• Rochelle Daniel, Atria, Flagstaff, AZ
• Donald Hawk, Valentine, Phoenix
Best New Restaurant
• Bacanora, Phoenix
Outstanding Pastry Chef
• Mark Chacón, Chacónne Patisserie, Phoenix
Outstanding Baker
• Don Guerra, Barrio Bread, Tucson, AZ
Outstanding Hospitality
• Binkley’s, Phoenix
Outstanding Wine Program
• Kai, Phoenix
Best Chef: Southwest
• Lori Hashimoto, Hana Japanese Eatery, Phoenix
• John Martinez, Tito & Pep, Tucson
• Maria Mazon, BOCA Tacos y Tequila, Tuscon
• Giovanni Scorzo, Andreoli Italian Grocer, Scottsdale
