National Recognition Comes In ‘Threes’ For This North Carolina Restaurant And Chef
It’s human nature to appreciate recognition for hard work and a job well done. And, national recognition came in “threes” for this North Carolina restaurant and its chef. In fact, the honors mounted up quickly within a week’s time for Neng Jr.’s in Asheville. And, chef Silver Iocovozzi is the creative force behind the restaurant.
According to The Charlotte Observer, Neng Jr.’s found a spot on The New York Times and Bon Appetit magazines lists for nation’s best new restaurants earlier this month. And, around the same time the chef made Time 100 Next “Top Innovators.” The publication gives a nod to what they deem to be “rising stars” across various industries.
Time pointed to Neng Jr.’s Duck Breast Adobo as a highlight. The accolade said of Chef Iocovozzi, “They take a meticulous approach to studying, referencing and annotating flavor, as the best chefs do.” Furthermore, Bon Appetit mentioned Neng Jr.’s Pork Belly and Hand Pulled Noodles as well as Oysters with Mignonette as menu highlights.
Plus, this North Carolina restaurant appears to be a force to be reckoned with. Neng Jr.’s also became a finalist for the James Beard Awards as best new restaurant back in the Spring. And, there’s so much to do and see when it comes to the beautiful mountain town of Asheville.
Of course, this time of year the colors and changing of the leaves delight with dazzling colors. And, for anyone with a love of outdoor activities there’s no shortage. Plus, one of my absolute favorite day trips or long weekend getaways is The Biltmore Estate. You can’t go wrong with a tour of the home, winery and gardens. And, it’s a quick, easy trip from Charlotte.
So, I will stop in at Neng Jr.’s on my next visit to Asheville! For more on the awards and Neng Jr.’s, see the full story for details.
2 North Carolina Restaurants Named As The South's Best New Restaurants
There are new restaurants popping up all the time it seems. All claim to be unique and offer a “new concept”. But in all honesty many times it just the same things over and over again. And with the cost of going out to eat skyrocketing (like everything else in the world), how do you know what’s worth trying? The last thing you want to do is waste money on a below-average or terrible meal out. Well, I’m happy to share with you two North Carolina Restaurants that were recognized by Southern Living as some of the best new restaurants.
Our friends at Southern Living recently shared with us a list of the South’s Best New Restaurants of 2023! The publication’s expert editors evaluated new restaurants throughout the south. Restaurants were evaluated based on their food ( of course). But also on service, hospitality, and “how the restaurant supports and treats its staff and the wider community.”
The list contains 25 new restaurants across the south including Alabama, Arkansas, and Texas. They even go as far north as Delaware (though I wouldn’t consider that the south). And excitingly two North Carolina restaurants received the honor of being named The South’s Best New Restaurants. One is right here in Charlotte and the other in the Triangle. But don’t feel left out if you call the other Carolina home. The Palmetto State also had two restaurants make the list. Both are in beloved trendy cities- Charleston (of course) and Greenville.
Next time you find yourself wondering what to try for dinner, perhaps try one of these delicious new restaurants! You can read the full list from Southern Living and what they love about each of the 25 spots here. Or keep reading to see which North and South Carolina restaurants are the best new restaurants in the South.
Debbie Nance is the afternoon co-host along with her husband on "The Charlie and Debbie Show" at WSOC, Country 1037 in Charlotte, North Carolina. She has been with the station for 18 years. Debbie is a CMA Award winner for Radio Personality of the Year. And, she has worked in radio for 40 years. Before her current afternoon position, Debbie spent more than a decade as co-host on morning shows in several markets across the Southeast. As a content creator for Country 1037, Debbie writes articles about food, new restaurants in the Carolinas and travel experiences.