Michelin inspectors have been secretly eating their way across the Southwest for an undisclosed amount of time, evaluating some of the best that Arizona cuisine has to offer.
Well, the results came in last night, and Arizona restaurants got no Michelin stars. But that’s just the highest honor that Michelin gives out, and Arizona restaurants and chefs were recognized on many other fronts.
At a glitzy ceremony in Vegas last night, FnB chef Charleen Badman took home the first-ever Mindful Voices Award from Michelin. Badman is a James Beard Award winner and the founder of the Blue Watermelon Project, which teaches kids about where food comes from and how to cook it.
René Andrade, who’s brought in countless accolades for Bacanora and his Taco Achiote, was honored with the Young Chef Award.
And a solid list of Arizona restaurants were honored as so-called Bib Gourmands, recognized for offering high-quality food at great value. That list includes Taco Achiote and FnB, as well as Pizzeria Bianco, Kid Sister, Little Miss BBQ, Lom Wong, and Valentine.
Even more were recognized as selected restaurants. So congrats to all the chefs and restaurateurs who were honored, and maybe we’ll get a star next time.
19 Arizona restaurants included in the Southwest Michelin Guide
Bib Gourmand
FnB, Scottsdale
Huarachis Taqueria, Phoenix
Kid Sister, Phoenix
Little Miss BBQ, Phoenix
Lom Wong, Phoenix
Pizzeria Bianco, Phoenix
Valentine, Phoenix
Selected restaurants
Atria, Flagstaff
Bacanora, Phoenix
Christopher’s, Phoenix
Fry Bread House, Phoenix
Glai Baan, Phoenix
Hush Public House, Scottsdale
Indibar, Paradise Valley
Latha, Phoenix
Pretty Penny, Phoenix
Reserve, Scottsdale
ShinBay, Scottsdale
Tratto, Phoenix
Christina Estes / KJZZ
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