Phoenix-Area James Beard Semifinalists Announced

PHOENIX, AZ — The Phoenix culinary scene is well represented in semifinalists announced Wednesday by the James Beard Foundation. The awards, now in their 30th year, are regarded as the Oscar Awards of the culinary industry.

The semifinalists are in 11 categories: best new restaurant; outstanding restaurant; outstanding baker; outstanding pastry chef; outstanding chef; rising chef stars age 30 or younger; outstanding bar program; outstanding wine program; outstanding wine, beer or spirits producer; outstanding restaurateur; and outstanding hospitality.

In Phoenix and the surrounding area, the semifinalists are:

• Best New Restaurant: Vecina, Phoenix
• Outstanding Bar Program: Little Rituals, Phoenix
• Outstanding Chef: Nobuo Fukuda, Nobuo at Teeter House, Phoenix
• Outstanding Hospitality: Kai, Phoenix
• Outstanding Pastry Chef: Country Velador, Super Chunk Sweets & Treats, Scottsdale
• Outstanding Restaurant: Pizzeria Bianco, Phoenix
• Outstanding Restaurateur: Mike Mastro and Jeff Mastro, Prime Steak Concepts, Scottsdale (Dominick’s Steakhouse, Steak 44, Ocean 44)
• Outstanding Wine Program: FnB, Scottsdale

James Beard Foundation Semifinalists: Other Arizona Restaurants, Full List

Finalists in all categories will be announced at a news conference at 9 a.m. EDT on March 25 in Philadelphia.

The list of semifinalists was voted on by more than 600 judges from across the country. The same group of judges — who include leading regional restaurant critics, food and wine editors, culinary instructors and past James Beard winners — vote to determine the finalists. The votes are tabulated by independent auditors from EisnerAmper.

The winners will be announced in May.