Every year, the James Beard Foundation honors individuals around the United States who are making waves in the restaurant, hospitality, and media industries. The 2023 James Beard Award Semifinalists were announced earlier this week, and five Nashville chefs made the cut. Take a look to see if your favorite local chef is on the list!
5 Nashville Chefs Announced as James Beard Award Semifinalists
Clinton Gray, Derrick Moore, and Emanuel Reed of Slim & Husky’s Pizza Beeria | Nominated for Outstanding Restaurateur
What started as a shared dream in a garage has quickly evolved into a hotspot for artisan pizzas and unique cinnamon rolls. Now, with locations throughout Tennessee, Georgia, and even one in California, Slim & Husky’s founders are dedicated to empowering their local communities — all while serving delicious food.
The founders of Slim & Husky’s are semifinalists for “Outstanding Restaurateur,” which highlights restaurants that build community, demonstrate creativity and integrity, and make efforts to create a sustainable work culture. Image: Slim & Husky’s
Julio Hernandez of Maiz de la Vida | Nominated for Emerging Chef
A native of Tlaxcala, Mexico, Julio Hernandez started the Maiz de la Vida food truck to share his love for authentic Mexican cuisine. Still, it didn’t take long for the chef to develop a more permanent spot with a residency at Chopper. With plans to open a brick-and-mortar restaurant in The Gulch later this year, Julio is known for his fresh tortillas, chilaquiles, and empanadas.
Despite just recently entering Nashville’s restaurant scene, Maiz de la Vida and Julio Hernandez are already gaining recognition from the James Beard Foundation. Image: Instagram
Noelle Marchetti of Yolan | Nominated for Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker
If you’ve ever experienced the famed focaccia at Yolan, you’ve likely tasted the work of the restaurant’s executive pastry chef, Noelle Marchetti. In addition to the fresh-baked bread, Noelle oversees all of the restaurant’s desserts, including the Ribes Nero (marcona almond, sugared black currant, polenta, and whipped sour cream) and Orto (candied carrot, sea buckthorn, white chocolate crème, and sweet fennel).
Noelle Marchetti of Yolan has been nominated for “Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker” in the 2023 James Beard Awards. Image: Yolan at The Joseph, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Nashville
Josh Habiger of Bastion | Nominated for Best Chef: Southeast
Also named a James Beard Award Semifinalist in 2018, 2019, and 2020, Chef Josh Habiger is known for Bastion, his half-bar and half-restaurant concept in Wedgewood-Houston. The 24-seat restaurant serves a multi-course preset dinner, often featuring creative dishes and carefully curated beverages.
Bastion is known for its carefully curated preset menus from Chef Josh Habiger. Image: Strategic Hospitality
Trevor Moran of Locust | Nominated for Best Chef: Southeast
As if having his restaurant named Food & Wine Magazine’s “Restaurant of the Year” in 2022 wasn’t enough, Trevor Moran of Locust is now a James Beard Award Semifinalist. Despite only opening in 2020, the 12South hotspot quickly made a name for itself thanks to its exquisite Japanese-inspired dishes.
Trevor Moran of Locust has gained popularity for his delicious steamed dumplings. Image: Andrew Thomas Lee
Wishing the best of luck to these local chefs! To see the complete list of semifinalists, visit jamesbeard.org.
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If you’re inspired, check out some of our local restaurant favorites.
