John Besh (born May 14, 1968, in Meridian, Mississippi) is an American chef, TV personality, philanthropist, restaurateur and author. He is known for his efforts in preserving the culinary heritage of New Orleans cuisine.
John Besh: New Orleans' Best Jambalaya | National Geographic
Biography
Besh was born in Meridian, Mississippi, and raised in Southern Louisiana. He has been married to Jennifer Besh since 1991. Besh is a former US Marine. In 1992 he graduated from The Culinary Institute of America (CIA) but his schooling was cut short due to serving time in the Gulf war.
In 2006, Besh won the James Beard Award for “Best Chef, South”. In 2008, he earned Food Arts’ Silver Spoon Award for "revitalizing the culinary legacy of New Orleans".
Restaurants
Many of his restaurants celebrate Louisiana regional cooking, including; Restaurant August, Besh Steakhouse, Lüke, La Provence, Domenica, Pizza Domenica, Johnny Sanchez, Shaya and Borgne.
A list of Besh's restaurants include:
August – New Orleans’ Central Business District – his flagship restaurant, featuring contemporary French cuisine with an emphasis on local ingredients. Featured in Gourmet magazine's "Guide to America's Best Restaurants," and "America's Top 50 Restaurants."
Besh Steak – Harrah's New Orleans Casino – steakhouse.
Borgne – Hyatt Regency – coastal Louisiana cuisine, such as shrimp toast rissoles, oyster spaghetti and seafood stuffed flounder.
Domenica – Roosevelt Hotel – Italian; name means “Sunday” in Italian.
Pizza Domenica – Uptown New Orleans - A casual spinoff of Domenica featuring counter service and a great beer selection.
Lüke – New Orleans Central Business District, previously a location in San Antonio (closed 2017) – French, German and Creole cuisine.
Johnny Sanchez – New Orleans Central Business District and Baltimore - Mexican-Inspired.
Shaya – New Orleans Garden District - Modern Israeli cuisine.
Willa Jean – The Paramount at South Market District - bakery and restaurant opening in August 2015.
The Caribbean Room, Bayou Bar, Hot Tin, Silverwhistle Cafe – All located at the historic Pontchartrain Hotel opened summer of 2016 and represent the highest in fine dining, refined bar food, craft cocktails and palate pleasing New Orleans breakfast staples respectively.
Eunice – “Cajun, Creole brasserie”, scheduled to opening Fall 2017 in Houston, Texas
