Congratulations to James Beard Semifinalists from NC!!

Again, North Carolina is establishing itself as a premier destination for food lovers and chefs alike! Eight chefs and mixologists from the state are prepared to go head-to-head with some of the biggest names in the culinary world! Big congratulations to all of you and especially Asheville’s own rising star, Katie Button of Cúrate! Previous North Carolina winners include Ben and Karen Barker of Magnolia Grill and Andrea Reusing of our friends at Lantern in Chapel Hill! Below is the full list of semifinalists below from Newsobserver. 

The semifinalists include:

• For Outstanding Wine and Spirits Professional: Sean Lilly Wilson of Fullsteam Brewery in Durham and Eric Solomon of Eric Solomon Selections European Cellars in Charlotte.
•  For Rising Star Chef: Katie Button of  in Asheville.
•  For Best Chef Southeast: Ashley Christensen of Poole’s in Raleigh, John Fleer of Canyon Kitchen at Lonesome Valley in Cashiers, Vivian Howard of Chef & the Farmer in Kinston, Scott Howell of Nana’s in Durham, and Aaron Vandemark of Panciuto in Hillsborough.
•  For Outstanding Restaurant: Magnolia Grill in Durham.

Congratulations again!! Hope we have the chance to cheers them at the Distillery with a Heirloom Moonshine Cocktail!