John Besh

John Besh is a renowned American chef, television personality, philanthropist, and author. He is best known for his significant contributions to the culinary arts and his dedication to preserving and promoting the food culture of New Orleans.

Early Life and Education[edit | edit source]

John Besh was born on May 14, 1968, in Meridian, Mississippi. He was raised in Slidell, Louisiana, where he developed a deep appreciation for the unique food culture of the region. Besh attended the Culinary Institute of America, graduating in 1992.

Career[edit | edit source]

Besh's culinary career began in the kitchens of renowned chefs in France and Germany. He returned to New Orleans in 1995 and opened his first restaurant, August, in 2001. August is known for its contemporary French cuisine with a focus on local Southern ingredients.

In addition to August, Besh has opened several other restaurants, including Luke, Domenica, and Borgne. Each of these establishments reflects a different aspect of Besh's culinary philosophy and the diverse food culture of New Orleans.

Besh has also made significant contributions to the culinary world through his television appearances and cookbooks. He hosted the PBS series Chef John Besh's New Orleans and has appeared on several other cooking shows. His cookbooks, including My New Orleans: The Cookbook and Besh Big Easy, have been praised for their authentic representation of New Orleans cuisine.

Philanthropy[edit | edit source]

In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, Besh established the John Besh Foundation. The foundation provides scholarships for minority chefs in New Orleans and supports local food producers.

Awards and Recognition[edit | edit source]

Besh's contributions to the culinary world have been recognized with numerous awards. He was named "Best New Chef" by Food & Wine magazine in 1999 and received the James Beard Foundation Award for "Best Chef - South" in 2006.

Controversy[edit | edit source]

In 2017, Besh stepped down from his restaurant group following allegations of sexual harassment. He has since focused on his philanthropic work and personal growth.

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