Steer wrestling, a practice credited to legendary cowboy and rodeo star Bill Pickett, usually involves leaping onto a steer from the back of a specially trained horse. At the Madison

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A Year-Round Guide to Franklin and Nantahala

It's no secret that North Carolina hosts some of the best restaurants and chefs in the Southeast, but a few of our favorites were recently recognized on a national level.

Eastern

Madison County Championship Rodeo

It's no secret that North Carolina hosts some of the best restaurants and chefs in the Southeast, but a few of our favorites were recently recognized on a national level.

Food

Rosemary and Goat Cheese Strata

It's no secret that North Carolina hosts some of the best restaurants and chefs in the Southeast, but a few of our favorites were recently recognized on a national level.

Restaurants

North Carolina Restaurants Recognized by James Beard Foundation

We don’t need any more proof that North Carolina has some of the best culinary talent in the country, but it is exciting to see some favorites make the list.

by Rosalie Catanoso
Chef and the Farmer

It’s no secret that North Carolina hosts some of the best restaurants and chefs in the Southeast, but a few of our favorites were recently recognized on a national level. The James Beard Foundation, whose mission is to celebrate, nurture, and honor America’s diverse culinary heritage, announced its 2016 Restaurant and Chef Award Semifinalists on February 17, and 13 restaurants, chefs, and bakers from all over the state were nominated for this honor.

Best New Restaurant
Death & Taxes, Raleigh, NC

Outstanding Baker
Phoebe Lawless, Scratch Bakery, Durham, NC
Lionel Vatinet, La Farm Bakery, Cary, NC

Outstanding Chef
Ashley Christensen, Poole’s Downtown Diner, Raleigh, NC

Outstanding Pastry Chef
Cynthia Wong, Rhubarb, Asheville, NC

Best Chef: Southeast
Nate Allen, Knife & Fork, Spruce Pine, NC
Brian Canipelli, Cucina 24, Asheville, NC
Scott Crawford, Standard Foods, Raleigh, NC
Steven Devereaux Greene, Herons in the Umstead Hotel, Cary, NC
Vivian Howard, Chef & the Farmer, Kinston, NC
Matthew Kelly, Mateo, Durham, NC
Joe Kindred, Kindred, Davidson, NC
Aaron Vandemark, Panciuto, Hillsborough, NC

The James Beard Foundation will announce the final nominees in San Francisco on March 15, and we will be rooting for our state’s contenders.

This story was published on Feb 24, 2016

Rosalie Catanoso

Rosalie Catanoso

Rosalie Catanoso was the digital content editor at Our State. She is a graduate of Appalachian State University, and enjoys exploring North Carolina by way of its breweries, live music, and barbecue.