These Arizona restaurants are James Beard award semifinalists

State of play: Several of the Valley's most notable chefs made the cut, as did some up-and-comers.

• Outstanding Restaurateur: Armando Hernandez and Nadia Holguin, Cocina Chiwas and Tacos Chiwas | Phoenix, Tempe and Mesa
• Emerging Chef: Robert Centeno, Espiritu | Mesa
• Best New Restaurant: Ava Bakery | Phoenix
• Outstanding Pastry Chef or Bakery: Crystal Kass, Valentine | Phoenix
• Outstanding Hospitality: Andreoli Italian Grocer | Scottsdale
• Outstanding Bar: Little Rituals | Phoenix

Zoom in: Six Arizonans were named semifinalists for "Best Chef" in the southwest region, which includes New Mexico, Nevada, Oklahoma and Arizona.

• Rene Andrade, Bacanora | Phoenix
• Flavia Briones, Barista Del Barrio | Tucson
• Pornsupak "Cat" Bunnag, Glai Baan | Phoenix
• Wendy Garcia, Tumerico | Tucson
• Sam Greenhalgh, Forêt | Flagstaff
• Claudio Urciuoli, Source | Gilbert

Flashback: Last year, Arizona had 12 Arizona chefs, two restaurants and one bakery make the semifinalist list, but not one advanced to the finalist level.

• Here's hoping the Valley's finest foodies get the recognition they deserve this go around.