Peninsula's Jake Howell wins James Beard Award for best chef in the Southeast

Peninsula's Jake Howell won the prestigious James Beard Award on Monday for best chef in the Southeast.

Why it matters: The national accolade is validation for the cozy neighborhood restaurant in East Nashville.

• Howell is also the first James Beard winner from Nashville since Tandy Wilson of City House won the same award in 2016.

What he's saying: Looking like the lead singer of a rock band, Howell accepted his award during the James Beard awards ceremony in Chicago. He joked that he should have prepared a speech, before giving heartfelt thanks to his parents, loved ones and team at Peninsula.

• "It's such an honor I really can't put it into words," he said.
• "The Nashville community welcomed us from out of town," Howell added. "They let us try something different. They let us fail. And they were there with us when we succeeded and I can't thank you enough for that."

Dig in: Peninsula serves dishes inspired by the Iberian Peninsula, journalist Margaret Littman wrote for the Nashville Scene.

• The restaurant only has 38 seats and only serves dinner three nights a week. Combine that with being a James Beard winner, and reservations are sure to become a rare commodity.