We are honored to share that our chef and owner, Dallas McGarity, has been named a 2024 James Beard Award semifinalist for Best Chef: Southeast.
This is one of the highest honors in the culinary world, and it shines a national spotlight on both Chef Dallas and The Fat Lamb, as well as Louisville’s thriving food community.
Dallas’s journey began in South Carolina, where southern hospitality and big flavors shaped his early view of food. After working in some of the country’s top kitchens and learning from valued mentors, he made his mark in Louisville. At The Fat Lamb, Dallas brings people together around tables filled with inventive dishes that blend regional traditions with global inspiration. This semifinalist honor is a celebration of years of dedication, teamwork, and passion.
The James Beard Foundation recognizes chefs who set new standards for excellence and contribute to their communities in meaningful ways. Only a handful of chefs are chosen each year to be semifinalists, standing out from hundreds of nominations nationwide. For Dallas, this honor comes after years of creative cooking and community involvement. We invite every guest to experience firsthand what makes our kitchen and city special. You can view the full list of 2024 semifinalists here: www.jamesbeard.org/blog/the-2024-james-beard-awards-semifinalists
To read the official announcement and media coverage, visit:
- www.wdrb.com/news/culinary-excellence-2-louisville-chefs-named-semi-finalists-for-prestigious-james-beard-awards/article_1209e1ea-b1de-11ee-b735-9f690d1cc3ca.html
- www.courier-journal.com/story/entertainment/dining/restaurant/2024/01/23/two-louisville-chefs-semifinalists-2024-james-beard-awards/72499276007/
- www.lpm.org/news/2024-01-31/two-louisville-chefs-named-james-beard-award-semi-finalists
A Closer Look at the James Beard Awards
The James Beard Awards are known as the highest honors for chefs, restaurants, authors, and industry leaders in America. Since 1991, the James Beard Foundation has spotlighted trailblazers and creative leaders in food, always with an eye to celebrating talent, hard work, and a spirit of hospitality. Named for James Beard, an influential food writer and teacher, the awards are meant to inspire and elevate the industry in every corner of the country.
Nominees and semifinalists are selected from a large pool of outstanding professionals representing many backgrounds and styles. The recognition considers creativity, leadership, mentorship, and a commitment to positive change in the culinary world. To become a semifinalist is not just a personal achievement, but a celebration for teams, local partners, and neighborhoods everywhere.
Many Beard winners and semifinalists have left a lasting mark on American dining. Their work shapes food conversations, supports the next generation of cooks and makers, and brings greater attention to local and regional cuisine.
The James Beard Foundation’s mission reaches beyond the awards, supporting education, equity, and culinary advancement nationwide. Learn more about the history, selection process, and latest news at these sources:
- www.jamesbeard.org/awards
- www.jamesbeard.org/blog/the-2024-james-beard-awards-semifinalists
- www.eater.com/2024/1/24/24047746/james-beard-awards-2024-semifinalists-restaurants-chefs-list
We thank all of our guests and staff who help make The Fat Lamb a vibrant and welcoming home for thoughtful food and memorable experiences. Being recognized in the 2024 James Beard Awards is not only an honor for Dallas, but for everyone who celebrates Louisville’s unique culinary landscape together with us.
