08-04-2025
Two western NC chefs named finalists for James Beard awards
(WSPA) – Two western North Carolina chefs have been nominated for one of the most prestigious awards in their industry.
The James Beard Foundation announced last week the finalists for the 2025 James Beard Awards.
Named after a man the New York Times once designated the 'Dean of American Cookery,' the James Beard Awards aims to recognize and promote some of the best chefs, bakers, restaurants and bars across the country.
This year's finalists include two chefs from western North Carolina.
Nominated for best chef in the south east region is Silver Iocovozzi, owner and chef at Neng Jr.'s on Haywood Road in Asheville.
According to the restaurant's website, Neng Jr.'s opened in 2022 and is the 'first Filipinx restaurant of its kind in Asheville.'
The restaurant sources ingredients from local farmers, and its menu changes regularly based on what area farmers and producers have available.
Iocovozzi and Neng Jr.'s has also been featured in Bon Appetit magazine and was name a best new restaurant by Eaters Carolina and Esquire. Neng Jr.'s was nominated for best new restaurant in 2023.
'Our team prides itself on our open invitation and integrated style of service, introducing Filipinx traditions and heritage to those that have or have not experienced the complexities of this understated global cuisine,' reads a blurb on the Neng Jr.'s website.
Nominated for best pastry chef or baker of the year is April Franqueza, pastry chef at The Dining Room at High Hampton in Cashiers.
According to a bio on the High Hampton website, Franqueza began baking as a child in northern Virginia, and her love of baking carried her to the Culinary Institute of America and later to Nice, France, where she honed her craft. She also worked at some of New York's most popular bakeries before coming to western North Carolina.
The High Hampton is located on Highway 107 South in Cashiers.
Franqueza and Iocovozzi are the latest local chefs to be nominated for James Beard awards. In 2024, Wade's Restaurant in Spartanburg won the foundations award for American Classic: Southweast and Greenville-based Scoundrel was nominated for best new restaurant.
This year's James Beard Awards show will take place June 16 in Chicago. The awards will be live streamed at
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