Asheville Chefs Shine in 2025 James Beard Awards Semifinals

News Summary

Asheville is abuzz with excitement as four local chefs and restaurants receive nominations in the 2025 James Beard Awards semifinalists. William Dissen of The Market Place is honored as Outstanding Chef, while Leo’s House of Thirst earns its first nomination for Outstanding Wine and Other Beverages Program. Ashleigh Shanti of Good Hot Fish and Silver Iocovozzi from Neng Jr.’s are recognized for Best Chef: Southeast. The community is also invited to celebrate Asheville Restaurant Week, showcasing local culinary talent.

Cheers to Asheville: Culinary Stars Shine Bright in James Beard Awards Semifinals!

Asheville is buzzing with excitement as the 2025 James Beard Awards have announced their semifinalists, and guess what? Four amazing chefs and restaurants from our vibrant city are getting some well-deserved recognition! This is pretty big news in the culinary world, almost like winning an Oscar, but for food!

Outstanding Chef Honoree

First up on the list is William Dissen from The Market Place. This gem of a restaurant takes pride in its farm-to-table philosophy, emphasizing delicious seasonal ingredients to craft its mouth-watering dishes. Dissen’s nomination for Outstanding Chef is a testament to his talent and dedication to fresh, local cuisine. Just last year, The Market Place was a semifinalist for the Outstanding Restaurant category, proving this place knows how to keep the culinary hits coming.

Time to Wine Down

Next on our roster of regional excellence is Leo’s House of Thirst, a charming wine bar on Haywood Road. This spot is raising its glasses high as it earns its first nomination for Outstanding Wine and Other Beverages Program. With an extensive selection of global wines, as well as delightful non-alcoholic pairings, they’ve got something for everyone. Plus, if you love brunch, don’t miss their prix fixe lunch available from Friday to Sunday—it’s the perfect way to unwind and indulge!

Rising Stars in the Kitchen

Asheville is also proud to announce nominations for Ashleigh Shanti of Good Hot Fish and Silver Iocovozzi from Neng Jr.’s, both under the category of Best Chef: Southeast. Shanti’s seafood haven has only been open for a year, but it’s already making waves and garnering acclaim for its innovative dishes. Meanwhile, Neng Jr.’s, which wowed diners as a finalist for the Best New Restaurant award in 2023, continues to hold its own among the culinary elite. What a marvelous scene we have cooking here in Asheville!

Join the Local Food Festivities

And if you’re feeling a bit hungry and want to support our local chefs, head on over to Asheville Restaurant Week, which is currently taking place! This event features a delightful tasting menu showcasing the freshest fare from local restaurants. It’s a great way to get a taste of what these fabulous culinary talents have to offer, and trust us, your taste buds will thank you!

Looking Forward

The excitement doesn’t stop there! The finalists for the James Beard Awards will be revealed on April 2, 2025, and the grand award ceremony will take place on June 16, 2025, at the Lyric Opera of Chicago. Mark your calendars because this is an event that no food lover should miss!

North Carolina’s Culinary Hotspot

As a bonus, we can’t forget about Chef Scott Crawford from Raleigh, who’s recognized for Outstanding Restaurateur with his establishments, including Crawford and Son, Brodeto, and Jolie. Other notable semifinalists from North Carolina include Ricky Moore of Saltbox Seafood Joint and Bhavin Chhatwani from Tamasha Modern Indian, showcasing the state’s culinary strength.

With a rich history of James Beard Awards winners and finalists, North Carolina continues to remain a culinary force to reckon with. Asheville, in particular, shines brightly as its chefs whip up creative magic and surprise all with their culinary flair. Here’s to Asheville’s culinary scene—where the flavor is as bold as the mountains!

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