NC Chefs Shine in James Beard Awards

It's March 31st.

I'm Cory with the story, and this is Durham News Today.

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North Carolina scored two finalists nods in the James Beard Awards, the Oscars of the

Food World, but the triangle area came up empty for the second year running.

The James Beard Foundation dropped the nominees on Tuesday, spotlighting top chefs and spots

nationwide.

Mayher Wan and Mali Irani, owners of Asheville's Chaipani Group, are in the running for

outstanding restaurant tours, a big national prize.

Their spot already grabbed outstanding restaurant back in 2022.

Then there's Taylor Montgomery from Montgomery Sky Farm in Lester, vying for best chef in

the Southeast region.

Folks in the triangle are feeling the sting after no winds last year either.

Earlier this year, the state had eight semifinalists total, with three right from that area, like

Chidi Kumar at Aja, Steven Devaro Greene at Herons and Paragrin and Raleigh for Best New

Restaurant.

Montgomery's nomination covers chefs from North Carolina through West Virginia, so it's

fierce competition.

Asheville keeps shining, building on that past glory.

Winners get crowned June 15th at Agala in Chicago, keep an eye on these NC talents to see

if they bring home the hardware.