Prime Fish chef nabs Charlotte's only James Beard semifinalist nod
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Chef Robin behind the counter at Prime Fish Omakase. Photo: Laura Barrero/Axios
Robin Anthony of Prime Fish, Omakase by Prime Fish, and Prime Fish Cellar received a semifinalist nomination for Best Chef: Southeast by the James Beard Foundation.
Why it matters: Despite several years of nominations and near-wins, plus recent Michelin nods and a Michelin Star, Charlotte has never won a coveted James Beard award.
Context: The James Beard Awards are among the most prestigious honors in the U.S. culinary world, often dubbed the "Oscars of food."
- Presented by the nonprofit James Beard Foundation, the awards recognize outstanding chefs, restaurants, writers and other leaders in food.
- Last year, Charlotte chefs and business owners received three semifinalist nominations but no wins.
Zoom in: Anthony, Prime Fish's chef and owner, is self-taught and specializes in traditional Edomae (Tokyo-style) sushi.
- He opened Prime Fish, an Asian sake and raw bar in Ballantyne, in May 2021. One year later, he opened Prime Fish Omakase in Providence Park, near Cotswold. Earlier this year, he opened Prime Fish Cellar, an extension of the two restaurants in the same shopping center as Prime Fish Omakase.
Go deeper: 3 things to know before eating at Omakase Experience by Prime Fish
The intrigue: Last year, Omakase Experience by Primefish and Prime Fish each landed on Michelin's "recommended" list.
What they're saying: "This recognition belongs to my team — our chefs, managers, sommeliers and the entire Prime Fish team — who show up every day with discipline, humility and pride in our craft," Anthony said in a statement.
- "I'm grateful to the Charlotte community for believing in our vision and allowing us to represent this city on a national stage...We'll keep our heads down and keep cooking."
What's next: Finalists will be announced on March 31, and winners will be celebrated at a Chicago ceremony on June 15.
Go deeper: Keep reading about the other North Carolina nominees