An East Nashville favorite has earned top recognition from the James Beard Foundation, one of the highest honors in American cuisine. Peninsula’s Jake Howell claimed the prestigious James Beard Award for Best Chef: Southeast.

While accepting the honor, among the most prestigious in the culinary industry, Chef Jon Yao celebrating his city noting that it "is built by immigrants"

Yotaka Martin, co-owner and chef at Lom Wong downtown, won a James Beard Award. Local chefs Rene Andrade, LT Smith and Donald Hawk congratulated her.