The James Beard Foundation released their semifinalists on Wednesday morning for this year’s James Beard Awards — they're considered the Academy Awards of the food and beverage industry.
Arizona’s on the map with a nod for outstanding restaurateur for Armando Hernandez and Nadia Holguin, the couple behind fan favorite Tacos Chiwas and the upscale Cocina Chiwas.
Roberto Centeno of Espiritu in Mesa is up for emerging chef, and a Persian spot in Phoenix called Ava Bakery was nominated as best new restaurant.
Valentine’s Crystal Kass is up for best pastry chef.
Others on the semifinalist list include Andreoli Italian Grocer in Scottsdale and the Phoenix bar Little Rituals. And five Arizona chefs are up for best chef in the Southwest, including the chefs at Bacanora, Glai Baan and Source.
2024 Arizona nominees
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
