Congratulations to Noam Bilitzer at Meesh Meesh Mediterranean in Louisville: He has been named a Best Chef: Southeast semininalist in the James Beard Awards’ 2025 Restaurant and Chef Awards.

Also a semifinalist in Best Chef: Southeast is Chef Sara Bradley at Freight House in Paducah.

Two other Kentucky entries were announced as semifinalists today: Holly Hill Inn, Midway for Outstanding Hospitality, and The Bar at Willett in Bardstown for Outstanding Bar.

Here’s a link to all the national James Beard 2025 semifinalists:

Pictured above: Salatim at Meesh Meesh from our 2023 review.