James Beard Awards 2024: Two Memphis chefs among semifinalists. Here's who.
Two Memphis chefs have been named semifinalists in the 2024 James Beard Awards.
Phillip Ashley Rix of Phillip Ashley Chocolates is up for Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker and Daris Leatherwood, formerly chef of Supper Club on Second, is up for Best Chef: Southeast (GA, KY, NC, SC, TN, WV).
Each year, the James Beard Awards honor the best restaurants and chefs across America. On Wednesday, the semifinalists for the awards were announced. The South is well represented on the "long list" for the prizes often called the Oscars of the food world, but Rix and Leatherwood are the only Memphians on this year's list.
Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker: Phillip Ashley Rix
It's the second time Rix has been nominated. He was one of three semifinalists for the James Beard Awards Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker in the Southeast Region in 2023.
"It is a tremendous honor being nominated for a second year in a row," Rix said. "I am humbled and truly thank God for the ability to do what I love, share and serve people amazing chocolate and experiences."
Known as Memphis' own Willy Wonka, Rix is the mastermind behind the luxury chocolate company Phillip Ashley Chocolates. His chocolate bonbons come in unexpected flavors such as Collard Greens, Sweet Potato and Barbecue. The attention to detail in the creation and presentation is evident as you taste these hand-painted bonbons. Each is a work of art.
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Best Chef Southeast: Daris Leatherwood
This is the first nomination for Leatherwood.
Leatherwood is listed in the awards for being the chef at Supper Club on Second. He had been the opening chef for that restaurant, but left that restaurant in early 2023 to help open Cache 42 Kitchen & Cocktails, a lounge-like bar and restaurant owned by Moneybagg Yo. His newest venture, Eat-N-Vibe is set to open in February. Leatherwood will be both the chef and a partner at Eat-N-Vibe.
"It is honestly a surreal feeling. I am in awe," Leatherwood said. "This is the highest recognition for a chef outside a Michelin star. I am honored to be recognized in this category with this caliber of chefs."
Nominees will be announced on April 3, and winners will be announced at the James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards Ceremony on June 10 at the Lyric Opera of Chicago.
Jennifer Chandler is the Food & Dining reporter at The Commercial Appeal. She can be reached at [email protected] and you can follow her on Twitter and Instagram at @cookwjennifer.
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This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: These 2 Memphis chefs are semifinalists for the 2024 James Beard Awards