1. SILVANA SALCIDO ESPARZA This five-time James Beard Award semifinalist has quickly grown a mini-empire of Valley restaurants expressing her bold and elevated regional Mexican point of view. Barrio Café, 2814 N. 16 St., Phoenix, 602.636.0240; Barrio Café Gran Reserva, 1301 W. Grand Ave., Phoenix, 602.252.2777; Barrio Avion, 3400 E. Sky Harbor Blvd., Terminal 2, Phoenix, 602.636.0241
2. LISA DAHL The trailblazer and James Beard House-featured chef feeds 300,000-plus guests a year across her four Sedona restaurants. Her award-winning cookbook, The Elixir of Life (Forza, $40), sold 16,000 copies. Cucina Rustica, 7000 AZ-179, Ste. 126A, Sedona, 928.284.3010; Dahl & Di Luca Ristorante, 2321 AZ-89A, Sedona, 928.282.5219; Mariposa Latin Inspired Grill, 700 AZ-89A, Sedona, 928.862.4444; Pisa Lisa, 2245 AZ-89A, Sedona, 928.282.5472
3. JENNIFER RUSSO A longtime caterer, Russo is the executive chef and owner of the relaxingly chic The Market by Jennifer’s Restaurant + Bar in Arcadia’s Gaslight Square. 3603 E. Indian School Road, Ste. A, Arcadia, 602.626.5050
4. MELISSA KELLY The 1999 and 2013 James Beard Foundation’s Best Chef: Northeast is executive chef for JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass Resort & Spa. 3800 W. Starr Pass Blvd., Tucson, 520.792.3500
5. ROCHELLE DANIEL With L’Auberge de Sedona’s two award-winning restaurants under her belt, Daniel reunites with mentor chef Matt Carter to oversee Fat Ox. 6316 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, 480.307.6900
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