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Raleigh chef is a finalist for national award

The awards are often referred to as "The Oscars of Food," and the Triangle has a legacy of taking home honors.

Posted 2019-03-27T14:53:10+00:00 - Updated 2019-03-27T14:53:00+00:00

Q&A with Raleigh chef Ashley Christensen

Kathy Hanrahan, Out

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Raleigh's own Ashley Christensen is a finalist for a national James Beard Foundation award.

The awards are often referred to as "The Oscars of Food," and the Triangle has a legacy of taking home honors.

Christensen, who owns Poole's, Death and Taxes, Beasley's, and Chucks, is up for the award for best chef in the country. She was a finalist for the honor last year, but lost out to Gabrielle Hamilton of Prune in New York City.

Christensen is a previous James Beard winner, taking home the award for best chef in the southeast in 2014.

Katie Button of Cúrate in Asheville was named a finalist for best chef in the southeast.

North Carolina chefs have a history of winning James Beard Awards. Lantern's Andrea Reusing won best chef in the southeast in 2011. Ben Barker of Magnolia Grill won the same honor in 2000. Karen and Ben Barker of Magnolia Grill won outstanding pastry chef in 2003.

The James Beard Awards will be presented at a gala on May 6 at the Lyric Opera of Chicago.