Tucson Chef Advances as James Beard Award Semifinalist

Claudia Vindiola, owner of La Frida Mexican Grill & Seafood in Tucson, has gained remarkable recognition in the culinary world. Recently, she was named a semifinalist for the prestigious James Beard Award in the category of Best Chef: Southwest.

Background and Culinary Journey

Vindiola, who prefers to describe herself as a passionate cook rather than a chef, learned her culinary skills in her mother’s kitchen. Before launching her restaurant career, she held diverse jobs, including two decades as a hairstylist and raising her family as a single mother.

Recognition at the James Beard Awards

On Wednesday, Vindiola received the news of her semifinalist status, which brought her to tears. Her son, Jesus Arana, who serves as the general manager at La Frida, expressed pride in his mother’s achievements. He highlighted her passion for cooking and the artistry she brings to each dish.

La Frida Mexican Grill & Seafood

Located at 7230 E. 22nd St., La Frida operates as a close-knit family business, with Vindiola’s younger siblings also working alongside her. The restaurant showcases a fusion of Sonoran and diverse Mexican cuisines, celebrating the richness of culinary traditions.

Culinary Innovations and Highlights

• Ribeye Aguachile: An inventive dish featuring ribeye surrounded by a red hibiscus sauce made with Baconora liquor, honey, and chile.
• Salmon with Mole: A complex sauce made from 37 ingredients, taking 12 hours to prepare.
• Elote Appetizer: Recognized as the best in Arizona by Yelp.
• Vegetarian Jackfruit Tacos: A creative take on traditional chicken tinga.

La Frida also features a “menu of the month,” allowing customers to experience new and innovative dishes regularly.

Community and Future Aspirations

Vindiola expressed her heartfelt gratitude for the James Beard acknowledgment, emphasizing that the recognition reflects the collective effort of her team and the support from the community. She stated, “Every dish that leaves our kitchen carries history, tradition, and deep respect for Mexican culinary culture.”

As the only Tucson representative on this year’s James Beard list, Vindiola and La Frida look forward to the announcement of finalists on March 31, followed by the winners in Chicago on June 15.

Other Arizona semifinalists include:

• Rochelle Daniel of Atria (Flagstaff)
• Kyle Kent of Chula Seafood (Phoenix)
• Roberto Centeno of Espiritu (Mesa)
• Scott Holmes of Little Miss BBQ (Phoenix)
• TJ Culp of Restaurant Progress (Phoenix)
• Nadia Holguin and Armando Hernandez of Tacos Chiwas (Phoenix)
• Charleen Badman of FnB (Scottsdale)
• Indibar (Scottsdale)
• Ross Simon of Little Rituals (Phoenix)

With soaring customer reviews, La Frida was recently ranked No. 41 on Yelp’s Top 100 Places to Eat in America for 2025. The acknowledgment has further elevated the restaurant’s status, creating increased demand despite extended wait times.