Roll out the red carpet, food lovers (and watch the crumbs). On Jan. 24, the semifinalists were announced for the 2024 James Beard Awards — one of the culinary world’s most prestigious prizes — and Nashville stars are shining bright.
You’ll find two local chefs and two eateries up for an award based on excellence and other factors like commitment to the community. But it’s an honor just to be nominated — getting on the James Beard radar is a game changer for any chef or restaurant, no matter how long they’ve been around.
Mark your calendars for April 3, when the finalists will be announced. A June 10 ceremony in Chicago will reveal the winners. Here’s the local flavor.
🏆 2024 semifinalists
Arnold Myint, International Market | Best Chef Southeast
- The Nashville-based celebrity chef is no stranger to the spotlight or local food scene. Myint has made appearances on several network shows, including “Top Chef” and “Food Network Star.” Explore International Market’s Thai-forward menu or visit the chef’s other venture Suzy Wong’s Drag’n Brunch.
Trevor Moran, Locust | Best Chef Southeast
- Déjà vu, we’ve been here before. Moran was named a semifinalist for this very award just last year, and for good reason. Among its accolades, Condé Nast has reviewed Locust and Food & Wine recognized the eatery as the 2022 Restaurant of the Year.
Not to mention, Kisser recently made The New York Times’ 2023 “Restaurant List” for 50 places in the US the publication is “most excited about” right now.
Photo by Camille Tambunting
Kisser | Best New Restaurant
- Following two years of pop-ups, Kisser’s husband-and-wife duo opened a brick-and-mortar in East Nashville’s Highland Yards development. Try this: The restaurant most recently launched its Japanese Breakfast on Saturdays and Sundays featuring miso sake marinated cobia.
D’Andrews Bakery & Cafe | Outstanding Bakery
- From pastries to sandwiches on freshly-baked bread, this downtown stop is known for it’s made-in-house menu items, like the French Bulldog macaroon inspired by owner David Andrews’ dog, Miss Dixie. Plus, don’t skip the soup of the day when you swing by for lunch.
🔮 Who’s going next?
Now we want to hear about your tastes. Are there restaurants or local chefs you think deserve some more love? Let us know about the unrecognized award-worthy meals.
