'I didn't expect that': See Cincinnati chef's reaction to James Beard Award semifinalist nod
The 2024 James Beard Award semifinalists were announced Wednesday. Jeff Harris, chef and owner of Nolia Kitchen in Over-the-Rhine, made the list and just so happened to be in The Enquirer newsroom when he heard the news.
You can watch the moment in the video player above this article.
Harris, whose restaurant was named a semifinalist and then a finalist for the national Best New Restaurant category in 2023, was recording the latest edition of The Enquirer's "That's So Cincinnati" podcast with hosts Beryl Love and Sherry Coolidge.
"I always tell my staff, my crew, that anytime they nominate Nolia for anything, it's us," Harris said. "It's not just me. Because I can't do anything without them. And I want to say thank you to them."
James Beard Awards: 4 Cincinnati chefs named semifinalists for coveted James Beard Award
What other Ohio chefs were nominated for the 2024 James Beard Awards?
Other Cincinnati nominees include Erik Bentz and Elaine Uykimpang Bentz, of Cafe Mochiko in Walnut Hills, as well as Jose Salazar for his Downtown restaurant Mita's.
Three other Ohio chefs were named semifinalists: B.J. Lieberman of Chapman's Eat Market in Columbus, Vinnie Cimino, of Cordelia in Cleveland, and Avishar Barua, of Joya’s restaurant in Worthington.
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Listen to the full 'That's So Cincinnati' podcast episode with special guest Nolia Chef Jeff Harris
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: See the heartfelt moment a chef learned about his James Beard nod
