The Phoenix-based semifinalists include Lawrence “LT” Smith of new-school Mexican restaurant Chilte, who received a nod for Emerging Chef, an award that recognizes a chef the

More than a dozen local chefs, bakers, bars and restaurants are in the mix for the year's most prestigious food awards.

Several chefs and restaurants throughout Arizona have been included in the James Beard Foundation's list of award semifinalists for the best culinary offerings throughout the U.S. Lawrence "LT" Smith of Chilte in Phoenix was listed as a semifinalist in the "emerging chef" category.