LocoReader

This year Charleston had a fine roster of chefs nominated for James Beard Awards, which recognize the best chefs in America. Known as the "Oscars of Food," this annual event which takes place from the Lincoln Center in New York, celebrates the best in the industry.

Creative Loafing's Besha Rodell compares the restaurant scenes in Atlanta and Charleston. He notes the two Charleston chefs nominated for 2008 Beard Award.

Many of the winning chefs of the 2008 James Beard Awards came from smaller neighborhood restaurants and modest cafes instead of the more famous, brand name restaurants of previous years. Could this represent a sea change in American cuisine?

Because of the area’s bumper crop of great chefs, fine dining, and fresh ingredients, local congratulations go to Robert Stehling of Hominy Grill in Charleston, SC who has won in the Best Chef: Southeast category. Here’s eight of Stehling’s recipes in case you want to experience a taste of Lowcountry inspired goodness in your home kitchen...