Justin Eats

“Beloved Tucson baker Don Guerra, named best baker in the country by the James Beard Foundation in 2022, has opened Don Guerra's Barrio Bagel & Slice in Gilbert.” (via azcentral / azcentral Things to Do)

An exclusive 1st look at award-winning baker Don Guerra's Barrio Bagel & Slice Award-winning baker Don Guerra offers bagels, torta and focaccia sandwiches and pizzas at his new drive-thru restaurant in Gilbert. What to try first.

Big congrats to Arizona’s two 2025 James Beard Foundation finalists, both from Phoenix: Yotaka Martin (Lom Wong; “Best Chef Southwest”) and Crystal Kass (Valentine Phx; “Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker”)! Winners announced at ‘s annual ceremony in June.

👉 Full list: https://www.jamesbeard.org/stories/2025-james-beard-awards-restaurant-and-chef-nominees

Makes me squirm a bit. A-okay with a little “dusting off”—the place is in need of some TLC and especially hasn’t been the same since 2020—but there’s a balance. Few places in Phoenix trigger the sentimental like Durant’s.

👉 https://www.phoenixnewtimes.com/restaurants/phoenix-steakhouse-durants-temporarily-closes-as-new-owners-take-over-21291147 (via: Phoenix New Times)

Let the Paris FOMO begin. 🖤 🇫🇷

Bittersweet news in Phoenix dining. Influential talent and force-of-nature behind the award-winning—and pioneering—Barrio Cafe, Chef Silvana Salcido Esparza to close her iconic restaurant after 22 years.

'That was my opus': Phoenix's most iconic chef is closing her historic Mexican restaurant Chef Silvana Salcido Esparza changed Phoenix dining with her 16th Street regional Mexican food restaurant. After 22 years, she's closing Barrio Cafe.