TL/DR –
The James Beard Foundation awarded Arizona’s Rene Andrade the title of Best Chef – Southwest at its 2024 awards. Crystal Kass was also a finalist in the Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker category. Tucson-based author Gary Nabhan won a James Beard media award for his book, “Agave Spirits: The Past, Present, and Future of Mezcals,” in the Beverage without Recipes category.
Arizona chefs receive honors at 2024 James Beard Awards
The James Beard Foundation unveiled its 2024 award winners, recognizing the top talent in the US culinary landscape. Among the award recipients were Arizona’s own Rene Andrade, awarded Best Chef — Southwest, and author Gary Nabhan, who secured a media award on June 8.
Arizona made a strong recovery this year, following a dry spell in 2023 when none of its semifinalists reached the final stage. In contrast, 2024 saw Phoenix-based chefs Crystal Kass and Rene Andrade becoming finalists in their respective categories. The ceremony was hosted by culinary stars Marcus Samuelsson, Amanda Freitag, Richard Blais, and Nyesha Arrington on June 10.
Andrade’s hard-earned win
Andrade, previously a semifinalist for Best Chef — Southwest in 2023, and whose restaurant Bacanora, was a 2022 finalist for Best New Restaurant. His acceptance speech highlighted his culinary heritage, gratitude towards his family, and the importance of love and culture.
Address: 1301 Grand Ave., Unit 1, Phoenix. Contact: 602-612-4018, instagram.com/bacanoraphx.
Book Award goes to Gary Nabhan
Nabhan, an acclaimed scholar and co-founder of the Native Seeds Search, received a James Beard Book Award for his work, “Agave Spirits: The Past, Present, and Future of Mezcals,” co-authored with David Suro Piñera. This work, exploring agave spirits, won in the Beverage without Recipes category.
Learn more about Crystal Kass, the Phoenix pastry chef making Arizona history.
—
Read More US News; Arizona News