Southeast Culinary & Spirits Shine

Asheville News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now! · Jun 28, 2026 · 1m

Taylor Montgomery, chef and owner of Montgomery Sky Farm, just won a James Beard Award for Best Chef in the Southeast — a major honor that puts her farm-dining concept on the national stage. Meanwhile, Chemist Spirits’ rye whiskey earned gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, proving exceptional craftsmanship. These wins spotlight the booming, diverse food and drink scene beyond big cities — from farms to distilleries. Upcoming events include Montgomery Sky Farm’s first Trial to Table dinner on August 1st, Darbazi Asheville’s Georgian pop-up on June 27th, and Rocky’s Hot Chicken…