Walland, Tenn — The Barn at Blackberry Farm, a Relais & Chateaux property and restaurant, receives its third James Beard Foundation Award in the last three years with the acceptance of the 2015 James Beard Award for Outstanding Service.
The James Beard Award for Outstanding Service is representative of the best restaurant service in the United States with Blackberry Farm competing against four other finalists from New Orleans, San Francisco, New York and Chicago.
“After back-to-back years of humbling recognition for our culinary experience with former Executive Chef Joseph Lenn as Best Chef, Southeast in 2013, and Director of Food and Beverage and Lead Sommelier Andy Chabot for Outstanding Wine Program in 2014, we are incredibly honored this year as the winner of the Outstanding Service Award,” said Blackberry Farm Proprietor Sam Beall. “This award is an honor among such a distinguished group of fellow peers, and I am incredibly proud of our entire Blackberry Farm team for their dedication and passion for quality.”
The Barn at Blackberry Farm first opened its doors in September of 2007 with James Beard nominations every year since its opening. The daily operations of The Barn are led by Director of Food and Beverage Andy Chabot, and Executive Chef Cassidee Dabney at the helm of the kitchen. Together and along with 150 food and beverage focused team members, they create dining experiences throughout a guest’s stay that strives to provide an authentic expression of the Smoky Mountains coupled with a strong dose of Southern hospitality.
“We are just so proud of our team and their tireless efforts to put our guests’ needs first,” said Andy Chabot. “They love what they do and it shows!”
“This remarkable award came from years of real determination, commitment and passion by our team,” said Proprietor Sam Beall. “A James Beard Award further validates that our humble little place in the hills of Tennessee offers the highest level of excellence in service in everything that we do!”
About Blackberry Farm
Located 25 miles from Knoxville, Blackberry Farm, a Relais & Chateaux property, is the perfect destination for business retreats and pleasure getaways. The 4,200-acre estate is celebrated as an unrivaled food and wine destination, providing the ultimate in farm-to-table cuisine and a wine collection of more than 160,000 bottles from around the world. Described as Foothills Cuisine®, Blackberry Farm pays homage to locally sourced and seasonally fresh products grown on the property’s four-acre garden. Activities abound at Blackberry Farm, and include Day in the Life of Chef and Gardener programs, fly fishing, horseback riding, fox hunting, hiking, wellness activities, spa, sporting clays, yoga, cycling, and more. For more information on Blackberry Farm or to make a reservation, please visit: www.blackberryfarm.com
About the James Beard Awards
Covering all aspects of the industry—from chefs and restaurateurs to cookbook authors and food journalists to restaurant designers and architects and more—the James Beard Awards are the highest honor for food and beverage professionals working in North America. The awards are presented each spring. Nominees and winners are fêted at a weekend of events that has become the social and gastronomic highlight of the year.