Arizona’s four nominees for the 2020 James Beard Awards.

Excitement in Arizona’s restaurant industry was high this week despite current events as The James Beard Foundation announced this week the finalists for the 2020 James Beard Awards. When semifinalists were announced earlier in the year and before the coronavirus epidemic Arizona had 10 in the running to be finalists. When the winners are announced on September 25th, 4 nominees will be representing Arizona.

After FnB’s Charleen Badman won the 2019 Best Chef: Southwest it should come as no surprise to many that 3 others have the chance to bring home the award this year.

The 2020 nominees are….

Silvana Salcido Esparza of Barrio Cafe (Phoenix) for Best Chef: Southwest.

Chrysa Robertson of Rancho Pinot Grille (Scottsdale) for Best Chef: Southwest.

Jeff Smedstad of Elote Cafe (Sedona) for Best Chef: Southwest.

Pizzeria Bianco (Phoenix) for Outstanding Restaurant.

Good luck to all.

Winners will be announced via the foundations Twitter feed.

 

Pizzeria Bianco to donate profits on World Food Day

Critically acclaimed Pizzeria Bianco will be donating a part of its profits to Food for the Hungry on World Food Day, Wednesday October 16th. Guests can dine at either location at Heritage Square in downtown Phoenix and at Town & Country Center at 16th St. & Camelback Rd. to help raise money for the non-profit.

The Phoenix-based non-profit is an international relief and development organization is trying to establish a zero-hunger world and eliminate all forms of poverty.

“Currently, 821 million people suffer from chronic hunger and almost 15,000 children under the age of five die of malnutrition-related causes every day,” said Beth Allen, Senior Communications Manager of Food for the Hungry. “To combat this statistic, people around the world come together on World Food Day to promote awareness and action to eradicate hunger in our lifetime. We are so grateful to Pizzeria Bianco for joining us in our efforts to end hunger in some of the hardest areas of the world.”

Pizzeria Bianco’s two Phoenix locations at 623 E. Adams Street and 4743 N. 20th Street.