Decatur Food Stars Up for James Beard Awards

DECATUR, GA -- The food world’s coveted James Beard Awards nominees were announced late Tuesday and Decatur -- fast becoming known as one of Atlanta’s culinary hot spots -- wasn’t left out.

In all, five nominees for the 2016 awards either hail from Decatur or have strong Decatur ties.

Billy Allin, of Cakes & Ale, and “Top Chef” alum Kevin Gillespie are both nominated for Best Chef: Southeast. Gillespie is nominated for his intown spot, Gunshow, but his most recent effort is Revival, his take on the traditional meat-and-three concept on Church Street.

Robert Alexander, of The General Muir, is nominated for Outstanding Baker, The Kimball House got a nod in the Best Bar Program category and Ford Fry, whose holdings include No. 246 on East Ponce de Leon Avenue, is nominated for Outstanding Restauranteur.

Allin was born in New York and grew up in Greenwood, South Carolina, according to his bio on the Cakes & Ale website. His background includes a stint at Watershed Restaurant, where he served as sous chef under chef Scott Peacock, before opening Cakes & Ale in 2006.

Gillespie is best-known to many for his 2009 run on “Top Chef.” But he’s been busy on the Atlanta food scene since then, helming spots including Revival, Gunshow and the beloved but now-departed Woodfire Grill.

He was a semi-finalist for the Beard Awards Best Chef: Southeast honor last year.

Alexander is head baker at The General Muir’s full-service, 2,000 square-foot bakery. He previously held top baking duties at Holeman & Finch Public House and Alon’s Bakery & Market.

A true chef-owner, Fry’s Ford Fry Restaurants has become arguably the hottest name in Atlanta-area dining. In addition to No. 246, his eateries include The Optimist, Jct. Kitchen, King + Duke and St. Cecilia.

Located in a former railroad house, The Kimball House has become as well known for its specialty cocktails (which include an absinthe service) and raw bar as it is for its provincial style dining.

(Photo via CakesAndAleRestaurant.com)