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The James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards highlight stellar chefs, bakers and restaurants for their noteworthy food and dining experiences. Large cities and states tend to have more representation, however, Kentucky has two semifinalists for the 2024 awards:
• Emerging Chef: Lawrence Weeks, North of Bourbon, Louisville, Kentucky. With Louisiana and Mississippi roots, Weeks offers a blend of classic dishes with a unique southern experience.
• Best Chef, Southeast: Dallas McGarity, The Fat Lamb, Louisville, Kentucky. Opened in 2016, McGarity focuses on high-quality ingredients to offer approachable comfort food.
The official nominees will be announced April 3 and winners awarded on June 10.
– Rebecca Hastings, The 100 Companies