'State of shock': Phoenix chefs react to being named 2024 James Beard Award finalists

The James Beard Awards — the "Oscars of food" — announced the 2024 finalists, including two Arizona chefs.

The James Beard Foundation announced its semifinalists in January and 12 Arizona chefs, restaurateurs and a bar made the list in these categories: Best Chef — Southwest, Outstanding Restaurateur, Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker, Outstanding Bar, Outstanding Hospitality, Emerging Chef and Best New Restaurant.

“Congratulations to all of our esteemed honorees and nominees on this remarkable achievement,” said Clare Reichenbach, CEO of James Beard Foundation in a press release. “Your vision and continued dedication to excellence — both on and beyond the plate — make you true leaders of American culinary. Thank you for all you are doing to set a better standard for our industry and broader food system.”

Here are the Arizona finalists for the 2024 James Beard Awards.

Arizona's James Beard Award 2024 finalists

The Arizona nominees are:

Best Chef — Southwest

• Rene Andrade, Bacanora  in Phoenix.

Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker

• Crystal Kass, Valentine in Phoenix.

"I'm feeling very excited and once again, in a state of shock," Kass said in a statement to The Republic. "I'm sure after today ends, it will finally start to set in."

"I am tremendously grateful to be part of the Sonoran Desert," Andrade said in a statement to The Arizona Republic. "This place is magical, still more work to do, the job is not done. Puro Amor."

When will the 2024 James Beard Award winners be announced?

The Beard Foundation will announce the winners in the chef and restaurant categories during a June 10 ceremony at the Lyric Opera of Chicago.

James Beard Arizona seminalists:These chefs, restaurants are semifinalists for James Beard Awards 2024

Reach the reporter at BAnooshahr@azcentral.com. Follow @banooshahr on X, formerly known as Twitter.