The Prestigious James Beard Award
Established in 1990, the James Beard Awards are presented annually for excellence in cuisine, culinary writing, and culinary education in the United States. Often called the “Oscars of the food world,” the range of awards covers such categories as restaurants, chefs, writing, and even graphic design and leadership that impact the restaurant world. Named after the renowned American chef and food writer James Beard, the James Beard Foundation and its awards have played a crucial role in elevating deserving chefs, restaurants, and other industry insiders to the spotlights they deserve.
James Beard awards for chefs and restaurants are probably the most well-known of the Beard awards, and include categories such as Outstanding Chef, Outstanding Restaurant, Best New Restaurant, Rising Star Chef of the Year, Outstanding Pastry Chef, and Best Chefs in America, divided by region. The awards are highly prestigious and can significantly boost the career of a chef, restaurant, or food writer - which is why the recipients in Asheville deserve to be recognized!
Chai Pani: A Taste of Indian Street Food
Recipient of the “Outstanding Restaurant” James Beard award in 2022, Chai Pani sources local produce whenever possible and also has a range of vegetarian and gluten-free options. The restaurant's vibrant, colorful interior and friendly service contribute to its charm and popularity. While accepting the James Beard award, chef Meherwan Irani said "Every day, every act you do is an act of service.”
The restaurant, whose name means “tea and water” in Hindi, is known for its innovative menu that features a variety of chaats (savory snacks), thalis (a platter with a variety of dishes), and other Indian delicacies. Some of the popular dishes include Bhel Puri (a puffed rice snack with chutneys and crunchy noodles), Sev Potato Dahi Puri (crispy puri with spiced potatoes, yogurt and tamarind chutney), and Sloppy Jai (a spicy lamb hash). Chai Pani is not to be missed!
Vivian: A Modern Take on Southern Cuisine
Vivian’s Josiah McGaughey is a semi-finalist for “Best Chefs - Southeast” at the James Beard awards. McGaughey strives to combine the southern culinary roots that he received from his family with European flavors and techniques. This makes for a varied and exciting menu, boosted by the latest produce from the region’s farmers. Vivian’s offerings are seasonal and change frequently, making it possible for faithful guests to return often without ever getting bored.
Neng Jr.'s: A Fusion of International Flavors
A finalist for the James Beard award for “Best New Restaurant,” Neng Jr.’s only opened in July 2022! The restaurant boasts an intimate atmosphere, with only 17 seats total, and a menu inspired by chef Silver Iocovozzi’s life. With experience in the American South as well as the Philippines, Iocovozzi’s menu is delightfully creative. With their welcoming environment and uniquely original menu, Neng Jr.’s is a must-visit for those in the Asheville area.
Curate: Authentic Spanish Tapas in Asheville
A tapas bar with an array of Spanish dishes, Curate’s chef Katie Button is a James Beard nominee. It is located in a historic building in downtown Asheville that was formerly a 1927 bus depot. The restaurant's atmosphere is lively and the interior reflects the historic nature of the building, with a long bar where diners can watch the preparation of their meals.
Curate prides itself on providing an authentic Spanish dining experience. The menu includes a variety of traditional tapas dishes, like patatas bravas and jamón ibérico, along with Spanish wines and sherries. There's also a wide variety of vegetarian and gluten-free options available!
Try Asheville's James Beard-Nominated Restaurants!
At this point, you don’t need us to tell you that Asheville is a major food hub in North Carolina. The culinary scene is marked by a spirit of innovation - many restaurants aren't afraid to experiment and offer creative takes on traditional dishes. In addition to this creative mindset, Asheville's food scene is deeply influenced by the farm-to-table movement, with many restaurants sourcing their ingredients from local farmers and producers. This connection to local agriculture allows Asheville chefs to use fresh, seasonal ingredients, contributing to a diverse range of flavors and dishes.
The winners of the prestigious James Beard awards will be announced on June 5, but don’t let that stop you from trying out all the nominees now! Whether you’re trying Vivian’s blend of Appalachian ingredients with European techniques, Chai Pani’s Indian street food, or Curate’s authentic Spanish tapas and baked goods, you won’t be disappointed. And on your way, take a moment to appreciate the beautiful homes that Asheville has to offer. And reach out to us anytime - we’d love to make your dream vacation home or residence a reality!