Chef John Besh
A New Orleanian chef wins multiple James Beard Awards
New Orleans adores Chef John Besh. And with more than nine restaurants in town, the feeling appears to be mutual. Besh’s movie star good looks, frequent public appearances and flair for dishing up the Gulf South’s culinary riches over his stove, in his cook books or on national TV, insures there’s a hungry crush of diners eager to partake of his establishments’ fresh Louisiana ingredients and fine service.
Besh rose to prominence with the opening in 2001 of his Restaurant August which became a benchmark for fine dining in New Orleans. His roster since includes Besh Steakhouse, Lüke, Domenica, Pizza Domenica, Johnny Sanchez, Shaya, Borgne and the Caribbean Room.
His career has spawned an a la carte menu of five-star awards: Food & Wine named him one of the "Top 10 Best New Chefs in America." Besh won the James Beard Award for Best Chef of the Southeast and was awarded Food Arts' Silver Spoon Award for revitalizing the culinary legacy of New Orleans. In both 2012 and 2013, Besh was nominated for the James Beard Award for Outstanding National Restaurant. In 2014, Besh was inducted into the "Who's Who in Food & Beverage" by the James Beard Foundation.
A true superstar chef, local publications keeping close tabs on Besh and follow his many ventures avidly. His image is as familiar as any in town. Besh’s best autograph, however, remains his cuisine.