Exciting news for foodies in Louisville, Chef Noam Bilitzer of MeeshMeesh is a finalist for the James Beard Best Chef Award.
Chef Noam Bilitzer, owner and chef at MeeshMeesh Mediterranean, is one of five finalists for the James Beard Foundation’s Best Chef: Southeast Award.
James Beard Awards are perhaps the highest honor for chefs worldwide.
“I’m speechless. So many of my culinary heroes have been recognized by the James Beard Foundation, and to share that is such an honor,” said Bilitzer in a release. “I’m incredibly fortunate to be supported by a talented team, especially my chef de cuisine, Alex Hamrick.
“The Louisville community loves to support its restaurants — we all eat well,” Bilitzer continued. “It’s their continued support and love for MeeshMeesh that has really helped us reach this point.”
Bilitzer will travel from Louisville to attend the 35th annual James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards at the Lyric Opera in Chicago on Monday, June 16, to hopefully hear his name called with the other winners.
Another Kentuckian, Sara Bradley of Freight House in Paducah, also made the list.
In addition to MeeshMeesh, Bilitzer opened Buds, a MeeshMeesh Concept Kitchen in March at Trellis Brewing (827 Logan St.) in Smoketown. Buds will test various food concepts beginning with Khao Boys, a Thai-inspired cuisine featuring Thai-style fried chicken and som tum, a spicy green papaya salad. The current menu is gluten-free and has several vegan options.
