Arizona chefs shut out of 2026 James Beard Awards
Arizona chefs and restaurants were shut out of the James Beard Awards this year after big wins in past years.
- Tasting Table named Phoenix’s Essence Bakery Cafe one of the 14 best French bakeries in the U.S.
- The bakery is owned by chef Eugenia Theodosopoulos, who is known for introducing macarons to Phoenix.
- Tasting Table praised the bakery’s croissants, macarons and welcoming atmosphere.
Tasting Table released its list of “14 Best French Bakeries In The US.” Essence Bakery Cafe in Phoenix made the list, standing shoulder to shoulder with spots like Dominique Ansel Bakery in New York and République in Los Angeles, which was shouted out by Michelin and whose chef won a James Beard award.
Essence Bakery is owned by chef Eugenia Theodosopoulos, who trained and worked in France. She is best known for introducing macarons to Phoenix at Essence Bakery, a feat that earned her induction into the Arizona Culinary Hall of Fame in 2011. Essence’s chocolate croissants were especially lauded by The Arizona Republic.
Tasting Table described the croissants as “said to be the best in the state,” the macarons as “so good that some customers find themselves turning right around to buy some more,” and the cafe as so welcoming and cozy “it invites customers to linger.”
Methodology: To choose the best bakeries, Tasting Table considered award-winning (Michelin and James Beard) bakeries whose products could be found in a French bakery, whose chefs were trained in France and whose customers travel just for their baked goods.
Details: 3830 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix. 602-296-4958, essencebakery.com.
Reach the reporter at BAnooshahr@azcentral.com. Follow @baharcreative on Instagram.
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