Clinton Gray, Derrick Moore, and Emanuel Reed Are Among Nashville’s 2023 James Beard Award Semifinalists

Josh Habiger of Bastion, Trevor Moran of Locust, and Noelle Marchetti from Yolan are among the Nashville-based semifinalists for the coveted James Beard Awards, honoring excellence in the restaurant industry. Also on the list are Clinton Gray, Derrick Moore, and Emanuel Reed, of Slim& Husky’s Pizza Beeria, and Julio Hernandez from Maiz de la Vida.

Habiger and Moran are both under consideration for best chef, Southeast, while Marchetti’s nod comes in the new outstanding pastry chef or baker category (previously these were two separate categories). Hernandez appears on the emerging chef list, while Gray, Moore, and Reed are semifinalists for the prestigious outstanding restauranteur award.

Though official James Beard nominations are revealed when the selection committee narrows the fields to finalists on Wednesday, March 29, appearing on the “long list” brings with it its own cache and recognition. A gala announcing the award winners is scheduled for Chicago on Monday, June 5.

Last year, just one Nashville chef, Philip Krajeck of Rolf and Daughters, was a finalist in the best chef, Southeast category, though Ricky Moore from Durham, N.C., ultimately took home the prize.

A full list of restaurants on the semifinals list is here.

Disclosure: Some Vox Media staff members are part of the voting body for the James Beard Foundation Awards.