Arizona Chefs Show Up Strong at the James Beard Awards 2023 Semifinals

Chef Silvana Salcido Esparza. Zee Peralta

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The James Beard Awards are often referred to as the Oscars of food. They are one of the highest honors a chef, baker, or restaurant can earn, and the competition is fierce.

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Jenna Leurquin doing what she does best.

JL Patisserie

On Wednesday, January 25, the James Beard Foundation announced its semifinalist for the 2023 awards. Arizona chefs have a strong showing this year. Here's who made the cut, and is now in line for a possible 2023 win.

Outstanding Chef - Silvana Salcido Esparza of Barrio Cafe, Phoenix

Outstanding Restaurant - Proper Meats + Provisions, Flagstaff

Emerging Chef - Christian Lowe, Shift Kitchen & Bar, Flagstaff

Outstanding Bakery - JL Patisserie, Phoenix and Scottsdale

Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker - Crystal Kass, Valentine, Phoenix

Outstanding Wine and Other Beverages Program - Glai Baan, Phoenix

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Grill master Rene Andrade of Bacanora.

JM Photo

Best Chef Southwest

Rene Andrade and Roberto Centeno - Bacanora, Phoenix

Jaren Bates and Brett Vibber - The Table at Junipine, Sedona

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Alex and Yotaka Martin run Lom Wong.

Lom Wong

Nephi Craig - Café Gozhóó, Whiteriver

Wendy Garcia - Tumerico, Tucson

Fernando Hernández - Testal, Phoenix

Yotaka and Alex Martin - Lom Wong, Phoenix

The semifinalists will be narrowed down into a list of finalists, announced on March 29, before the awards are given out at a ceremony on June 5.

In the 2022 awards, Arizona chefs Chris Bianco and Don Guerra brought home medals.