advertisement
27 March 2023
Few awards are more prestigious than the James Beard Award in the culinary world. The award is given out annually to chefs who have demonstrated excellence in their field, and this year, two Arizona chefs have been nominated for the coveted trophy. This is a tremendous honor for the chefs and the state of Arizona, which has long been considered a culinary backwater. With these two chefs leading the way, their reputation will change. Please keep reading to learn more about these two talented nominees and what they are doing to make Arizona a force to be reckoned with in the culinary world.
advertisement
Donald Hawk is a culinary expert, restaurateur, and creator who has won various honors for his culinary skills. He owns the award-winning restaurant, The Kitchen, at Hawksworth in Scottsdale, Arizona. His latest cookbook, “Culinary Artistry: A Chef’s Guide to Creating Exquisite Dishes,” which was released in September 2016. Donald Hawk was born and raised in Scottsdale, Arizona. He began his culinary career working in various restaurants around the state before opening his eatery, The Kitchen at Hawksworth, in 2012. The restaurant has since been awarded five stars from the AAA and named one of Esquire magazine’s Best New Restaurants in America. In 2015, Chef Donald Hawk was inducted into the Arizona Culinary Hall of Fame. Besides running his successful business, Chef Donald Hawk also carves the opportunity to reward the local area. He frequently donates his time and resources to local organizations that focus on ending childhood hunger. In 2016, he partnered with No Kid Hungry Arizona to help raise awareness about the issue and provide meals for needy children.
Charleen Badman is the gourmet expert and co-proprietor of FnB restaurant in Scottsdale, Arizona. She was a James Beard Award semifinalist for Best Chef Southwest in 2013, 2014, and 2015. Badman’s approach to cooking is all about using fresh, local ingredients. She sources most of her produce from the restaurant’s garden, which she tends herself. Her goal is to create simple yet flavorful dishes that highlight the natural beauty of each ingredient. Various publications for her inventive cuisine have recognized Badman. Her use of vegetables in unexpected ways has garnered praise from both diners and critics alike. FN Dish called her “one of the most vegetable-forward chefs in the country. “In addition to being a talented chef, Badman is also an accomplished businessperson. She opened FnB with her business partner Brian Webb in 2010, and the restaurant has since been named one of Esquire’s Best New Restaurants and one of Bon Appetit’s 50 Best New Restaurants. Under Badman’s leadership and has become one of Scottsdale’s most beloved dining destinations.
Silvana Salcido Esparza is a celebrated chef, restaurateur, and cookbook author from Arizona. She is the owner of Barrio Café, a James Beard Award-winning restaurant in Phoenix, and has been named one of the Best Chefs in America by Food & Wine magazines. Born and raised in Sonora, Mexico, Silvana moved to the US at 18 to seek after her fantasy of becoming a gourmet expert. After graduating from Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in Pasadena, she worked in some of Los Angeles’ top restaurants before moving to Arizona in 2001 to open Barrio Café. Barrio Café has won numerous awards over the years, including Best Restaurant in Arizona from GQ magazine and Esquire magazine. Silvana was also named a semifinalist for the James Facial hair Establishment Grant for Best Culinary Expert – Southwest on five occasions. In 2018, she was inducted into the Arizona Culinary Hall of Fame. In addition to her work at Barrio Café, Silvana is an active philanthropist and supporter of local farmers and food producers. She is also an enthusiastic advocate for immigration reform and recently launched a line of Mexican-inspired sauces under the brand Salsa La Diosa.
Chef Kevin Binkley is the owner and chef of Binkley’s Restaurant in Cave Creek, Arizona. He has been awarded the James Facial hair Establishment Grant for Best Culinary Specialist – Southwest five times. He is known for his use of unconventional ingredients and molecular gastronomy. Binkley was born in 1965 in Fort Wayne, Indiana. He grew up in a family of restaurateurs and began his career working in his family’s restaurants. He later studied at the Culinary Institute of America and collaborated with chefs, including Jean-Georges Vongerichten and Daniel Boulud. Binkley opened Binkley’s Restaurant in 2000. The restaurant has been awarded five stars from the Arizona Republic and named one of the most mind-blowing new cafés by Esquire magazine. Binkley has also been awarded the James Beard Foundation Award for Best Chef: Southwest five times. Binkley is known for his use of unconventional ingredients and molecular gastronomy. He has been highlighted in magazines such as Food & Wine and Bon Appétit and has appeared on cooking shows such as Top Chef and The Best Thing I Ever Ate.
James Beard Award winners are the most prestigious chefs in the country, and Arizona is home to several of them. From traditional American cuisine to modern Mexican fare, these chefs have put Arizona on the map as a culinary destination.
A number of notable James Beard Award winners represent Arizona proudly, including:
-Chef Christopher Gross of Christopher’s & Crush Lounge in Phoenix
-Chef Janos Wilder of Janos in Tucson
-Chef Mark Tarbell of Tarbell’s in Phoenix
These three chefs have won multiple James Beard Awards, and their restaurants are regarded as few of the best in the state. If you are looking for a truly memorable dining experience, check out one of these James Beard Award-winning restaurants next time you are in Arizona.
advertisement
Becoming a chef is challenging; becoming a successful chef takes years of challenging work, dedication, and passion. However, if you have the drive and determination to become a chef, you can do two or three things to assemble your chances of beating the competition.
To begin with, earn a college education in culinary expression from a regarded establishment, giving you the essential information and abilities, you want to be a successful chef. Additionally, consider working in various kitchens to gain experience in diverse types of cuisine. This will make you more versatile as a chef and better equipped to manage any cooking challenge that comes your way.
Finally, enter prestigious competitions like the James Beard Foundation Award. Winning such an award will give you great recognition and show potential bosses that you have the stuff to be a top-notch chef. So, if you are serious about becoming a chef, start by getting an education, gaining experience, and entering competitions. You can achieve your dream of becoming a successful Arizona chef with demanding work and dedication.
advertisement
Long before the Valley of the Sun became the desert city we know today, this region was a hub of dynamic earth processes that left behind the strange formations that make up the Papago Mountain. advertisement Ancient Origins Some of Arizona’s oldest geological features, such as the mountains around Sedona and Tucson, date back approximately 2.7 billion years. In comparison, the Phoenix area is geologically young, at 15 to 30 million years old. This makes it one of the newest regions in the state. Notably, much of Arizona’s ancient rock has been uplifted and carried far from its origin. Some
Arizona’s craft beer scene is flourishing, with major cities offering a diverse array of brewpubs that cater to every palate. Here’s a guide to some of the best brewpubs in Phoenix, Tucson, Flagstaff, and Tempe. advertisement Phoenix Wren House Brewing Company: Located at 2125 N 24th St, this brewery is renowned for its award-winning beers. For instance, the Spellbinder IPA is crafted with Arizona-grown Sonoran white wheat and a blend of Cascade, Citra, and Mosaic hops. Hop Culture Arizona Wilderness Brewing Co.: Situated at 201 E Roosevelt St, this brewery emphasizes local ingredients. It offers unique brews that reflect the
The Grand Canyon, one of the most iconic natural wonders in the world, is a testament to the immense power of time and geology. It spans over 277 miles, reaching depths of more than a mile, and offers visitors a stunning view of layered rock formations that tell the story of Earth’s geological history. But how did this awe-inspiring landscape come to be? The formation of the Grand Canyon is the result of millions of years of geological processes, combining erosion, volcanic activity, and the slow movement of tectonic plates. advertisement The Ancient Foundations The Grand Canyon’s story began long
Thinking about exploring Arizona caves? You’re in luck if you’re a spelunker! Several cave systems in Arizona are well-known and accessible to the public, offering a mix of guided tours and self-exploration: Kartchner Caverns – Famous for its preserved formations and extensive guided tours, Kartchner is a must-see for any visitor. Learn More » Peppersauce Cave – A favorite for more adventurous explorers, Peppersauce allows visitors to experience a raw and natural cave environment. Learn More » Colossal Cave – Located near Tucson, this cave provides both standard and advanced tours for those seeking a challenge. Learn More » Grand
