James Beard Semifinalists Include Tucson Restaurants

TUCSON, AZ — The Tucson 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 Tucson, the semifinalists are:

• Outstanding Baker: Don Guerra, Barrio Bread
• Outstanding Hospitality: Mi Nidito Restaurant
• Outstanding Wine, Beer or Spirits Producer: Stephen Paul, Hamilton Distillers

James Beard Semifinalists: Other Restaurants In Arizona Included In 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.