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.