Arizona restaurant honored with James Beard America’s Classic Award
Jan 22, 2018, 6:07 PM | Updated: Mar 6, 2018, 4:31 pm
(Facebook Photo)
PHOENIX — An Arizona restaurant will be given an award in May from the James Beard Foundation, which will designate it an American Classic.
El Guero Canelo, which has multiple locations in Tucson, will receive the award during a May 7 ceremony in Chicago.
The eatery acknowledged the award in a Facebook post.
“We are honored to receive the James Beard Award! Thank you for all the support!!”
El Guero Canelo features a Sonoran-style Mexican menu. The owner, Daniel Contreras, opened his first hot dog stand in 1993 and has been expanding his business ever since.
Two other Arizona restaurants — El Chorro Lodge and the Fry Bread House — were previously recognized with the award.
El Chorro Lodge is located in Paradise Valley and serves upscale cuisine and offers stunning views of the Valley. They even use herbs and produce from their own garden. El Chorro Lodge has received the award previously in 2005.
The Fry Bread House specializes in a Native American staple. Located in Phoenix, the menu also features an array of other items including tamales and chili. The Fry Bread House has also won the award in 2012.
Since 1998, the James Beard Foundation Awards Committee has recognized regional restaurants that looks at the appeal and quality of food that reflects the character of the community to which it is being served.