Yotaka Martin of Lom Wong in downtown Phoenix won the James Beard Award for Best Chef — Southwest. Martin, who grew up in Thailand, opened Lom Wong with her husband Alex in 2022.

“Lom Wong is a reflection on our love for each other and our family,” chef Yotaka "Sunny" Martin said following her big win.

Papa Het has got a brand new bag when it comes to downpicking, and it’s full of lessons for the funk guitar player ...

Yotaka Martin, co-owner and chef at Lom Wong downtown, won a James Beard Award. Local chefs Rene Andrade, LT Smith and Donald Hawk congratulated her.

Downtown Phoenix’s restaurant, Lom Wong, won a James Beard Award! The Arizona restaurant took home the top honor in the "Best Chef: Southwest" category.

Yotaka Martin of Lom Wong restaurant in Phoenix grew up cooking alongside her mother in Thailand. She won her 1st James Beard Award on June 16, 2025.

Yotaka Martin, co-owner and chef at Lom Wong downtown, won a James Beard Award. Local chefs Rene Andrade, LT Smith and Donald Hawk congratulated her.

Yotaka Martin of Lom Wong in Phoenix won the 2025 James Beard Award for best chef in the Southwest.

Yotaka and Alex Martin, co-owners of Lom Wong restaurant in downtown Phoenix, share their appreciation for the community's support of their food.