4 Treasure Valley Chefs/Bakers Become James Beard Semifinalists

James Beard semifinalist Khatera Shams makes a saffron latte at Sunshine Spice Bakery & Cafe.

The results are in: Three Treasure Valley chefs and one baker are in the running for 2022 James Beard Awards.

Earlier today, the James Beard Foundation announced its list of semifinalists for the 2022 James Beard Awards, a top honor in the food world. For the first time ever, four Idahoans got the nod: Salvador Alamilla of Amano, Dan Ansotegui of Ansots, Kris Komori of KIN, and Khatera Shams of Sunshine Spice Bakery & Cafe.

Alamilla, Ansotegui, and Komori are nominated for “Best Chef: Mountain,” a category encompassing chefs from Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Utah, and Wyoming. Shams is nominated in the national category of “Outstanding Baker.”

I've had the pleasure of interviewing Alamilla, Ansotegui, and Komori, and meeting Khatera Shams while interviewing her sister, Homeyra, at Sunshine Spice. Follow the links below to read stories featuring each of them.

Salvador Alamilla of Amano: “Hungry on Thanksgiving? Join Amano For Free Pozole”

Dan Ansotegui of Ansots: “The Little Catering Company That Could”

Kris Komori of KIN: “Green Takes on Takeout”

Khatera Shams of Sunshine Spice Bakery & Cafe: “The Sunshine When He’s Gone”