ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Asheville has become a city revered for its food. Four local restaurants are the latest to be recognized for their contributions to making the city a bustling foodie scene.
The James Beard Foundation Awards are annual awards given to chefs, restaurants, food journalists and authors. Finalists for the 35th annual James Beard Awards are revealed Wednesday, April 2 and the winners will be announced Monday, June 16 in Chicago.
In the semifinal round of the awards, four Asheville businesses were spotlight:
William Dissen, The Market Place – Outstanding Chef
The Market Place is located at 20 Wall St. in downtown Asheville.
Leo’s House of Thirst – Outstanding Wine and Other Beverages Program
Leo’s House of Thirst is located at 1055 Haywood Road in west Asheville.
Ashleigh Shanti, Good Hot Fish – Best Chef: Southeast
Good Hot Fish is located at 10 Buxton Ave. in the Asheville South Slope neighborhood.
Silver Iocovozzi, Neng Jr.’s – Best Chef: Southeast
Neng Jr.’s is located at 701 Haywood Road in west Asheville.
The Best Chef: Southeast award is comprised of chefs from Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and West Virginia. Shanti and Iocovozzi are both represented in the category, two of 20 chefs to earn that distinction.
For information about the semifinalist nominees, read the full list at www.jamesbeard.org.