Four Arizona Chefs Named James Beard Award Finalists

Four Arizona chefs are finalists for the 2020 James Beard Awards presented by Capital One.

Chrysa Robertson of Rancho Pinot, Silvana Salcido Esparza of Barrio Café Gran Reserva and Jeff Smedstad of Elote Café are up for Best Southwest Chef, and Chris Bianco is up for Outstanding Restaurant for his Pizzeria Bianco.

Given COVID-19, the Foundation initially postponed awards activities to focus on its relief efforts, which has resulted in the distribution of over $4 million to independent restaurants nationwide. After consultation with industry members, however, the Foundation decided to announce the finalists and set an awards date for Sept. 25.

– Alison Bailin, HMA Public Relations