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
Experience the magic of the new space early — and help support the move — at the store’s fundraising gala this Saturday, Feb. 7.
Here’s what winter weather to expect this weekend.
How the once mighty tree met its demise and how scientists + activists are working to regrow its legacy from right here in Asheville.
The Asheville chef and restaurateur will face off against 15 decorated chefs in the new show hosted by Padma Lakshmi.
Urban development consulting firm HR&A Advisors will use the committee’s recommendations to create the Millennial Campus Action Plan, which will be delivered to the University for review.
Four local organizations will administer grant programs through the city’s Small Business Support Program.
The Hawaiian and Texas-style barbecue fusion spot will be featured in an episode premiering this Friday, Jan. 30 at 9 p.m.
Whether you prefer snuggling an adorable rescue animal or smashing a car in the name of cupid, everyone can find their perfect match when it comes to Valentine’s Day events in Asheville.
Bookmark this guide for a curated list of events taking place each month that we’re most looking forward to.
From dustings to blizzards, we have a long relationship with snow here in the mountains.