Two 2024 James Beard semifinalist spots for Asheville

The Market Place and Chef Jason Sellers of Plant both made the list for their culinary achievements.

Exterior of the Market Place restaurant

The nomination for Overall Restaurant is about food, atmosphere, and hospitality.

Roll out the red carpet, food lovers (and watch the crumbs). On Wednesday, Jan. 24, the semifinalists were announced for the 2024 James Beard Awards — one of the culinary world’s most prestigious prizes — and two Asheville stars are shining bright. Here’s the local flavor.

The Market Place | Nominated for: Outstanding Restaurant
Chef William Dissen leads this farm-to-table spot and its unique, locally sourced menu. If you want to get a big picture view of the culinary excellence that secured a semifinalist slot, the Restaurant Week tasting menu was extended through Wednesday, Jan. 31.

Jason Sellers, Plant | Nominated for: Best Chef, Southeast
The chef opened the sophisticated, ever-evolving vegan restaurant in 2011 and has been serving up inventive dishes ever since. But this nomination isn’t just about food — it’s also about making a positive mark on the community at large.

Mark your calendars for April 3, when the finalists will be announced. A June 10 ceremony in Chicago will reveal the winners.

More from AVLtoday
A recent $425,000 grant from the Mellon Foundation will help it come to fruition.
Through the Paint NC initiative, Buncombe County is getting a brand new mural from artist Max Dowdle — here’s how you can help choose the design and help paint it too.
The centuries-old Chinese tile game has experienced a massive resurgence — now, Asheville welcomes its first dedicated mahjong lounge.
Sponsored
Make the most of the season without pulling out your wallet.
Join the cleanups, crafting, parties, and promotions happening in honor of the world around us.
Lend an ear to four Record Store Day releases from over the years, pressed here in Asheville at Citizen Vinyl.
It’s time to dust off the checkered picnic basket + blanket and take advantage of the fresh air.
After more than 100 seasons as McCormick Field, the ballpark is now dubbed HomeTrust Park, marking a partnership between Asheville’s minor league team and its largest financial institution.