Silver Iocovozzi Nominated for 2025 James Beard Award

Asheville, N.C.—April 3, 2025—Chef Silver Iocovozzi, owner of the 18-seat Filipinx eatery Neng Jr.’s in Asheville, was named a finalist for the 2025 James Beard Award in the Best Chef: Southeast category. Iocovozzi is celebrated for his innovative fusion of Filipino and Appalachian cuisine. Sumptuous dishes like lumpia, kinilaw (a raw seafood dish) and Adobo duck breast are paired with traditional Southern fare like slow-cooked Brunswick stew and garnished with foraged mountain ingredients.

"Appalachian food has influenced my cooking, just because I like to pick from where I am," he said. "I've been here long enough to know its rich history affects the way that I live. I love to base my menu around what's available from the farmer." 

An intimate 18-seat space in West Asheville, Neng Jr.'s is Iocovozzi's love letter to his Filipinx heritage and a gathering space for Asheville’s dynamic queer community. With a wide-open kitchen, a mural featuring Silver's mother, and Silver's husband, Cherry, acting as the primary server, Neng Jr.'s feels like a visit to Iocovozzi's personal kitchen.

Since opening in 2022, Neng Jr.’s and Chef Iocovozzi have landed on various “Best” lists, including USA TODAY, Bon Appétit, Food & Wine, Time Magazine and The Telegraph. In 2023, The New York Times named Neng Jr.'s one of the best 50 restaurants in the U.S., the only restaurant from North Carolina to earn that distinction.