MeeshMeesh’s Chef Noam Bilitzer Named Finalist for James Beard Best Chef Award
- Information VOICE_TRIBUNE
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
Press Release
Chef Noam Bilitzer, owner and chef of MeeshMeesh Mediterranean in Louisville, Kentucky, is one of five finalists for the James Beard Foundation’s Best Chef: Southeast award.
The James Beard Awards are considered among the highest honors for chefs and restaurants in the country. For Bilitzer, being named a finalist is a dream come true.
“I’m speechless. So many of my culinary heroes have been recognized by the James Beard Foundation and to share that is such an honor,” said Bilitzer. “I’m incredibly fortunate to be supported by a talented team, especially my chef de cuisine, Alex Hamrick.”
“The Louisville community loves to support its restaurants—we all eat well,” Bilitzer continued. “It’s their continued support and love for MeeshMeesh that has really helped us reach this point.”
Bilitzer is now set to attend the 35th annual James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards at the Lyric Opera in Chicago on Monday, June 16, to see if his name will be called among the winners.
Fellow Kentuckian and Top Chef alumna Sara Bradley of Freight House in Paducah also made the list of finalists.
In December 2024, Yelp ranked MeeshMeesh No. 2 on its list of Best New Restaurants in the South and No. 3 on its national Best New Restaurants list.
In addition to MeeshMeesh, Bilitzer opened Buds, a MeeshMeesh Concept Kitchen, last month at Trellis Brewing in Louisville’s Smoketown neighborhood at 827 Logan Street. Buds will rotate various test concepts. Their first test is called Khao Boys, Thai-inspired Thai, headlined by extra crispy Thai-style fried chicken and som tum, a spicy, sour green papaya salad. Their current menu is gluten free with many vegan options.
Bilitzer opened MeeshMeesh at 636 East Market Street in the heart of Louisville’s Nulu neighborhood in Sept. 2023.
Why It’s Newsworthy:
Prestigious National Recognition – Being named a James Beard Award finalist is one of the highest honors in the country, putting Chef Bilitzer and Louisville’s dining scene in the national spotlight.
Kentucky Representation – With chefs Bilitzer and Sara Bradley as finalists in 2025 and chefs Lawrence Weeks and Dallas McGarity as semifinalists in 2024, this underscores the state’s growing influence in the national culinary landscape.
Rapid Success of a New Restaurant – MeeshMeesh opened in September 2023 and has already earned major accolades.
Community Impact & Local Pride – Bilitzer credits Louisville’s support for his success, reinforcing the city’s reputation as a thriving food destination.
About MeeshMeesh
MeeshMeesh, a manifestation of Chef Noam Bilitzer’s childhood dining room table, is a Levantine-focused restaurant in Louisville’s Nulu neighborhood, exploring the vibrant flavors shared throughout Palestine, Jordan, Israel, Lebanon, Syria, and beyond. Enjoy bold dishes, thoughtfully curated libations crafted to complement every bite.