Five Asheville chefs and restaurateurs have been named semifinalists for one of the highest honors in the culinary scene. The James Beard Foundation Wed. released the list of its 2020 award nominees, which includes:
Ashleigh Shanti -- of Benne On Eagle -- for Rising Star Chef of the Year
John Fleer -- of Benne on Eagle and Rhubarb -- for Outstanding Chef
Katie Button -- of Curate -- for Best Chef, Southeast
Meherwan Irani --of Chai Pani -- Best Chef, Southeast
Cultura Restaurant for Best New Restaurant. It’s a joint concept by local Chef Jacob Sessoms and Wicked Weed Brewing co-founder Walt Dickinson.
Finalists for the James Beard awards will be announced at the gala in Chicago on May 6th. A link to the list of nominees and categories can be found here.
