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{{short description|American chef}}
{{Infobox chef <!-- for more information see ] --> {{Infobox chef <!-- for more information see ] -->
| name = John Besh | name = John Besh
| image = <!-- MyFamilyTableCover.jpg -- image does not exist --> | image = John Besh.jpg
| caption = | caption = Besh in 2012
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|mf=yes|1968|05|14}} | birth_date = {{Birth date and age|mf=yes|1968|05|14}}
| birth_place = ], USA | birth_place = ], U.S.
| death_date = | death_date =
| death_place = | death_place =
| spouse = Jenifer Besh (attorney) | spouse = Jenifer Berrigan Besh
| style = | style =
| education = Culinary Institute of America | education = Culinary Institute of America
Line 15: Line 16:
| television = | television =
| awards = | awards =
| website = http://www.chefjohnbesh.com/ | website = {{url|http://chefjohnbesh.com/}}
| children = 4
}} }}
'''John Besh''' (born May 14, 1968, in ]) is an American chef, TV personality, philanthropist, restaurateur and author. '''John Besh''' (born May 14, 1968) is an American chef, TV personality, philanthropist, restaurateur and author. He is known for his efforts in preserving the culinary heritage of ].


==Biography== ==Background==
Besh was born in ], and raised in ].<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=http://www.neworleansonline.com/neworleans/cuisine/chefs/chefbesh.html|title=Chef John Besh|website=New Orleans Online|publisher=New Orleans Tourism Marketing|access-date=January 7, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140303065534/http://www.neworleansonline.com/neworleans/cuisine/chefs/chefbesh.html|archive-date=2014-03-03|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name=":4">{{Cite news|url=http://www.nola.com/business/index.ssf/2017/10/john_besh_restaurants_fostered.html|title=John Besh restaurants fostered culture of sexual harassment, 25 women say|last=Anderson|first=Brett|date=October 21, 2017|work=]|access-date=October 22, 2017|publisher=]|language=en-US}}</ref> He has been married to Jenifer Berrigan Besh since 1991; together they have four children.<ref name=":3" /><ref name=":5">{{Cite news|first=Heidi|last=Schlumpf|url=https://www.ncronline.org/news/people/chefs-catholic-connections-spotlight-after-sexual-harassment-allegations|title=Chef's Catholic connections in spotlight after sexual harassment allegations|date=November 2, 2017|work=]|access-date=November 29, 2017|language=en}}</ref> The family are practicing ] and parishioners of the St. Luke the Evangelist Church in ].<ref name=":5" /> Besh is a former ].<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|url=https://www.starchefs.com/cook/chefs/bio/john-besh|title=Chef John Besh of Besh Restaurant Group|date=2012|website=StarChefs|access-date=January 7, 2017}}</ref><ref name=":3">{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/31/dining/31besh.html|title=From Disaster, a Chef Forges an Empire|last=Severson|first=Kim|date=October 31, 2007|newspaper=]|issn=0362-4331|access-date=2017-01-07}}</ref> In 1992, he graduated from ] (CIA), but his schooling was cut short owing to his serving in the ].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ciachef.edu/john-besh/|title=Alumni, Besh, John|website=The Culinary Institute of America|language=en|access-date=January 7, 2017}}</ref><ref name=":3" />
Besh was born in ], and raised in south Louisiana.


In 1999, '']'' named Besh among the "Best New Chefs" based on his food at restaurant ''Artesia''.<ref name=":6">{{Cite news|first=Brett|last=Anderson|url=https://www.nola.com/business/index.ssf/2017/10/from_combat_marine_to_celebrit.html|title=From combat Marine to celebrity chef: How John Besh built a restaurant empire post-Katrina|newspaper=]|date=October 21, 2017|via=]|access-date=June 9, 2018|language=en-US}}</ref>
==Restaurants==
Besh's restaurants include:<ref name="JohnBesh">{{cite web | url=http://www.chefjohnbesh.com/restaurants.html | title=Besh Restaurant Group | accessdate=2013-06-18}}</ref>
* ''August'' – New Orleans’ ] – contemporary ] with an emphasis on local ingredients.
* ''Besh Steak'' – ] – steakhouse.
* ''Borgne'' – ] – coastal Louisiana cuisine, such as shrimp toast rissoles, oyster spaghetti and seafood stuffed flounder.
*''Domenica'' – ] – Italian; name means “Sunday” in Italian.
*''Pizza Domenica'' – ] - A casual spinoff of Domenica featuring counter service and a great beer selection.
*''La Provence'' – ] – French.
*''Lüke'' – New Orleans Central Business District and San Antonio – French, German and Creole cuisine.
*''Johnny Sanchez'' - New Orleans Central Business District- Mexican-Inspired.
*''Shaya'' - New Orleans Garden District - Modern Israeli cuisine.
*''Willa Jean'' - The Paramount at South Market District - bakery and restaurant opening in August 2015.


John Besh was a co-owner with Octavio Mantilla of Besh Restaurant Group (BRG), the group formed after they bought out the original investors of the acclaimed restaurant ''August''.<ref name=":6" />
==John Besh Foundation==
'''Mission'''
The John Besh Foundation was established in 2011.


In 2006, Besh won the ] for "Best Chef, South".<ref name=":1" /> In 2008, he earned Food Arts' Silver Spoon Award for "revitalizing the culinary legacy of New Orleans".<ref name=":1" />
'''Chefs Move! Scholarship'''


== Sexual misconduct controversy ==
John Besh co-founded, Chefs Move! with Jessica Bride.
{{See also|Weinstein effect}}
In 2017, the BRG managers and owners were accused of perpetuating "a culture of ]" and ] at the restaurants, publicized by 25 current and former employees.<ref name=":4" /><ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.theadvocate.com/new_orleans/news/article_2ba5a664-b698-11e7-899a-efe1b5535e23.html|title=Report: Chef John Besh accused of allowing culture of sexual harassment at his restaurants|date=October 21, 2017|magazine=]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|first=Erin|last=DeJesus|url=https://www.eater.com/2017/10/21/16514192/john-besh-sexual-harassment|title=25 John Besh Employees Allege Sexual Harassment in His Restaurants: The New Orleans restaurant group, according to a report, fostered a culture that encouraged harassment and assault|website=]|date=October 21, 2017}}</ref>


Besh addressed the accusations in a statement: "Two years ago, I deeply hurt those I love by thoughtlessly engaging in a consensual relationship with one member of my team. Since then I have been seeking to rebuild my marriage and come to terms with my reckless actions given the profound love I have for my wife, my boys and my ] faith."<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://people.com/food/john-besh-restaurant-group-accused-sexual-harassment/|title=Celebrity Chef John Besh's Restaurant Group Accused of Fostering Sexual Harassment|magazine=]|first=Lindsay|last=Kimble|date=October 22, 2017}}</ref> Celebrity chef ] tweeted an image of the complaint filed against Besh's group, calling it "the beginning of the end of institutionalized Meathead Culture in the restaurant business".<ref>{{cite tweet|first=Anthony|last=Bourdain|authorlink=Anthony Bourdain|user=Bourdain|url=https://twitter.com/Bourdain/status/921839172025028614|title=The beginning of the end of institutionalized Meathead Culture in the restaurant business|number=921839172025028614|date=October 21, 2017|website=]}}</ref>
The mission of Chefs Move! is to diversify kitchen leadership by providing minority applicants the opportunity to train up and become leaders in restaurant kitchens and in their communities.
The John Besh & Bride Mayor Scholarship provides two fully paid scholarships, one in Culinary Arts and one in Pastry Arts, for minority recipients from New Orleans to attend the International Culinary Center in New York City. The program at ICC is nine months and is followed by a two-month internship with the Besh Restaurant Group. Once the internship has finished, Chefs Move! graduates stay and work in New Orleans for at least two years so that their advanced culinary skills benefit the local area.


Two days after the allegations were made public, Besh stepped down from BRG.<ref>{{cite news
'''Micro Loan Program'''
| url= https://www.cbsnews.com/news/john-besh-new-orleans-celebrity-chef-resigns-sexual-harassment-allegations-nola-investigation/
| title= Celebrity chef John Besh resigns amid sexual harassment allegations
| website= ]
| date= October 23, 2017
}} </ref><ref>{{Cite news|first=Niraj|last=Chokshi|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/10/23/us/john-besh-sexual-harassment.html|title=Chef John Besh Steps Down Amid Sexual Harassment Scandal|date=October 23, 2017|work=]|access-date=June 9, 2018|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331}}</ref> BRG executive Shannon White replaced Besh as CEO of the restaurant group.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.theadvocate.com/new_orleans/entertainment_life/food_restaurants/article_6ec289dc-b80d-11e7-a9c0-ff2ea425920a.html|title=Chef John Besh, facing sexual harassment allegations, leaves the restaurant company he founded|last=McNulty|first=Ian|date=October 23, 2017|work=]|access-date=June 9, 2018|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.eater.com/2017/10/23/16524266/john-besh-steps-down-sexual-harassment|title=John Besh Steps Down from Restaurant Group Following Sexual Harassment Allegations: 25 women accused the restaurants of creating a culture that allowed harassment and assault|first=Monica|last=Burton|website=]|date=October 23, 2017}}</ref> BRG was renamed ''BRG Hospitality'' after Besh's departure.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://nola.eater.com/2018/5/21/17376630/eunice-restaurant-opening-summer-houston|title=Despite Tempestuous Year, John Besh's Restaurant Group Pushes Ahead With Opening|last=Carter|first=Stephanie|date=May 21, 2018|work=Eater New Orleans|access-date=June 9, 2018|quote=John Besh’s restaurant group (now called BRG Hospitality)}}</ref>


===Aftermath===
In 2011, John Besh set up a micro loan program to aid New Orleans farmers in rebuilding their businesses.


In October 2017, in response to the allegations of sexual misconduct, Besh stepped down from the executive advisory board for the Center for Ethics and Culture at the ].<ref name=":5" /> According to the '']'', "Other Catholic entities that have been affiliated with Besh have not released statements about their future relationship".<ref name=":5" /> Besh also served as a ] (alongside fellow chef ]) on an episode of the ] series '']'' that was originally set to air on December 13, 2017; however, the episode got pushed back to January 10, 2018, with Besh having been digitally edited out.<ref name="eater">{{cite web|url=https://www.eater.com/2018/1/11/16878408/john-besh-iron-chef-showdown|title=John Besh Gets Edited Out of 'Iron Chef Showdown,' Finally - Eater|work=Eater|publisher=]|last=Morabito|first=Greg|date=January 9, 2018|access-date=April 17, 2018}}</ref><ref name="latimes">{{cite web|url=http://www.latimes.com/food/sns-dailymeal-1866244-eat-it-sure-looks-john-besh-was-edited-out-week-s-iron-chef-showdown-20180111-story.html|title=It sure looks like John Besh was edited out of this week's 'Iron Chef Showdown' - LA Times|work=]|publisher=]|last=Myers|first=Dan|date=January 11, 2018|access-date=April 17, 2018}}</ref>
The main mission of the micro-loan program is to provide financial support to local farms who want to increase production and take their vegetables, milk, eggs or meat to the local farmers market, grocery store or restaurant kitchens while simultaneously assisting the farmers marketing and business strategy through local MBA programs.


Lindsey Reynolds, the former Besh Restaurant Group staff member who helped expose the company's culture of sexual harassment, is one of the people '']'' magazine named among the national ] movement as 2017's ].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://nola.eater.com/2017/12/7/16745338/lindsey-reynolds-john-besh-metoo-person-of-the-year-time-magazine-new-orleans-nola|title=Time Magazine Spotlights Besh Whistle-Blower Lindsey Reynolds|last=Carter|first=Stephanie|work=Eater New Orleans|date=December 7, 2017}}</ref>
==Television appearances==
* ]
* ] - Episode 17, aired November 22, 2007
* ] - Judge
* ]<ref>.</ref>
* ] - Runner-Up, Season 1
* ] - New Orleans guest, season finale, Season 5
* ] - Contestant
* ] - self, ], Episode 7 "Smoke My Peace Pipe"
* ] - Host
* ] - Host
* ] - Host


==Cookbooks== ==Restaurants==
Many of his restaurants have celebrated Louisiana regional cooking, including Restaurant August, Besh Steakhouse, Lüke, La Provence, Domenica, Pizza Domenica, Johnny Sánchez, Shaya and Borgne.<ref name=":0" />
* ''My Family Table: A Passionate Plea for Home Cooking'', 2011, ISBN 978-1-4494-0787-2.

* ''My New Orleans: The Cookbook: 200 of My Favorite Recipes & Stories from My Hometown'', 2009, ISBN 978-0-7407-8413-2.
The following active restaurants are associated with Besh:<ref name="JohnBesh">{{cite web|url=http://www.chefjohnbesh.com/restaurants.html |title=Besh Restaurant Group |access-date=2013-06-18 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130701083014/http://www.chefjohnbesh.com/restaurants.html |archive-date=2013-07-01 }}</ref>
* ''Cooking From The Heart: My Favorite Lessons Learned Along the Way'', 2013, ISBN 978-1449430566.
* '''''August''''' – New Orleans' ] – his flagship restaurant, featuring contemporary ] with an emphasis on local ingredients. Featured in Gourmet magazine's "Guide to America's Best Restaurants" and "America's Top 50 Restaurants".<ref name=":0" />
* ''Besh Big Easy: 101 Home-Cooked New Orleans Recipes'', September 2015, ISBN 978-1449469177.
* '''''Borgne''''' – ] – coastal Louisiana cuisine, such as shrimp toast rissoles, oyster spaghetti and seafood stuffed flounder.
*'''''Domenica''''' – ] – Italian; name means "Sunday" in Italian.
*'''''Lüke''''' – New Orleans Central Business District – French, German and Creole cuisine.
*'''''Pizza Domenica''''' – ] – A casual spinoff of Domenica.
*'''''Shaya''''' – New Orleans Uptown – Modern ].
*'''''Willa Jean''''' – The Paramount at South Market District – bakery and restaurant opened in August 2015.
*'''''The Caribbean Room'', ''Bayou Bar'', ''Hot Tin'', ''Silverwhistle Cafe''''' – All located at the historic ] opened summer of 2016.
*'''Eunice''' – "Cajun, Creole brasserie", opening "late Fall 2017" in Houston, Texas<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://houston.eater.com/2016/6/7/11877484/new-orleans-chef-john-besh-is-officially-headed-to-houston|title=New Orleans Chef John Besh Is Officially Headed To Houston|last=McCarthy|first=Amy|date=2016-06-07|website=Eater Houston|access-date=2017-01-07}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bizjournals.com/houston/news/2017/09/27/houston-serving-up-a-slate-of-new-restaurants-this.html|title=Houston serving up a slate of new restaurants this fall and beyond|last=Para|first=Jen|date=Sep 27, 2017|website=BizJournals.com|access-date=2017-10-23}}</ref>

The following restaurants associated with Besh are now closed or no longer feature Besh:
*'''''Artesia''''' – was located in Abita Springs, Louisiana.<ref name=":6" />
*'''''Besh Steak''''' – ] – steakhouse. In October 2017, Harrah's announced that they would be terminating the relationship with Besh Restaurant Group (BRG) after the controversy around sexual harassment and sexual misconduct.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-john-besh-20171023-story.html|title=Celebrity chef John Besh steps down from restaurant group amid sexual harassment allegations|last=Masunaga|first=Samantha|date=2017-10-23|work=Los Angeles Times|access-date=2017-10-23|language=en-US|issn=0458-3035}}</ref>
*'''''La Provence''''' – ] – French, Besh sold the restaurant in May 2017; the restaurant closed in 2018.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://nola.eater.com/2018/6/7/17437670/la-provence-lacombe-closing-john-besh-pate|title=La Provence, A Lacombe Institution, Is Closed and For Sale for $1 Million |work=Eater New Orleans|access-date=2018-06-08}}</ref>
* '''''Lüke''''' – San Antonio location(closed in 2017) <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://austin.eater.com/2017/2/20/14670910/luke-san-antonio-closed-john-besh|title=New Orleans Chef John Besh Is Closing Lüke San Antonio|last=Chaudhury|first=Nadia|date=2017-02-20|website=Eater Austin|access-date=2017-07-28}}</ref>
*'''''Johnny Sánchez''''' '''''Baltimore''''' – Mexican-Inspired fare, co-owned with ], closed in 2017.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://nola.eater.com/2017/10/24/16535152/johnny-sanchez-baltimore-closed|title=Johnny Sanchez Baltimore, Co-Owned By John Besh, Closes Its Doors|work=Eater New Orleans|access-date=2017-10-25}}</ref>
*'''''Johnny Sánchez''''' – located in New Orleans, Mexican-Inspired fare opened in October 2014, this was co-owned with ]. But as of February 2019 Besh is no longer involved with this restaurant, he was replaced by long time employees Miles Landrem, and Drew Mire.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.theadvocate.com/new_orleans/entertainment_life/food_restaurants/article_68e963c4-31fa-11e9-ae45-7fee4c3753a2.html|title=John Besh out at Johnny Sanchez; chef Aaron Sanchez, partners to run New Orleans restaurant|last=McNulty|first=Ian|date=2019-02-16|website=]|language=en|access-date=2019-05-20}}</ref>

==Television appearances==
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|+
!Year released
!Television show title
!Network
!Notes
|-
|2005
|'']''
|], ]
|Episode 307, broadcast January 1, 2005, episode takes place on a shrimp boat
|-
|2006
|'']''
|Food Network
|Season 3, Episode 1<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.foodnetwork.com/shows/iron-chef-america/episodes/batali-vs-besh|title=Batali vs. Besh|website=Food Network|access-date=2018-06-08}}</ref>
|-
|2007
|'']''
|Food Network
|Season 5, Episode 9, role of judge of the ] challenge<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.foodnetwork.com/shows/food-network-challenge/episodes/mac-and-cheese|title=Food Network Challenge Mac and Cheese|website=Food Network|access-date=2018-06-08}}</ref>
|-
|2007
|'']''
|]
|Episode 17, broadcast November 22, 2007
|-
|2007
|'']''
|]
|Season 1, runner up contestant
|-
|2009 – 2014
|'']''
|]
|Appears in the Season 5 Finale, as well as Seasons 8, 9 and 11; always as a guest judge.<ref>{{Citation|title=Top Chef (TV Series 2006– )|url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0765425/fullcredits|access-date=2017-12-11}}</ref>
|-
|2009
|'']''
|Bravo Network
|Season 1, contestant
|-
|2010
|'']''
|HBO
|], Episode 7, "Smoke My Peace Pipe", plays self
|-
|2010
|'']''
|]
|host
|-
|2011
|'']''
|]
|Premiered in April 2011, host of the 26-part cooking series.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.pbs.org/food/shows/chef-john-beshs-new-orleans/|title=Chef John Besh's New Orleans {{!}} Cooking Shows {{!}} PBS Food|date=2011-10-11|newspaper=PBS Food|access-date=2017-01-07|language=en-US|archive-date=2017-02-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170221182833/http://www.pbs.org/food/shows/chef-john-beshs-new-orleans|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.wyes.org/johnbesh/|title=John Besh's New Orleans, Series {{!}}|website=WYES New Orleans|access-date=2017-01-07|archive-date=2017-01-07|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170107171856/http://www.wyes.org/johnbesh/|url-status=dead}}</ref>
|-
|2013
|'']''
|WYES-New Orleans
|premiered in 2013, host of the 26-part cooking series.<ref name=":2">{{Cite news|url=http://www.wyes.org/john-besh-family-table/press-release/|title=Press Release – John Besh's Family Table|work=WYES New Orleans|access-date=2017-01-07|language=en-US}}</ref>
|-
|2014
|'']''
|]
|reality tv host
|-
|2016
|'']''
|CBS
|Season 2, Episode 22 , "Help Wanted", broadcast May 3, 2016
|}


==Bibliography== ==Bibliography==

* ''New Orleans Program: Eat, Exercise, and Enjoy Life'', with David A., M.D. Newsome, 2006, ISBN 978-1-58980-344-2.
=== Cookbooks ===
* Introduction to ''Military High Life. Elegant Food Histories and Recipes'' by ], 2006, ISBN 978-1-931948-60-9.

* Forward to ''Trout Point Lodge Cookbook: Creole Cuisine from New Orleans to Nova Scotia'', Random House, 2004
*''My Family Table: A Passionate Plea for Home Cooking'', 2011, {{ISBN|978-1-4494-0787-2}}.<ref name=":2" />
*''My New Orleans: The Cookbook: 200 of My Favorite Recipes & Stories from My Hometown'', 2009, {{ISBN|978-0-7407-8413-2}}.<ref name=":2" />
*''Cooking From The Heart: My Favorite Lessons Learned Along the Way'', 2013, {{ISBN|978-1449430566}}.
*''Besh Big Easy: 101 Home-Cooked New Orleans Recipes'', September 2015, {{ISBN|978-1449469177}}.


===Contributions=== ===Contributions===
Chef Besh has contributed recipes or been featured in the following books: Besh has contributed writing, recipes or been featured in the following books:
* ''The Heirloom Tomato Cookbook'' by Mimi Luebbermann, Robert Holmes, and Dan Mills, 2006, ISBN 978-0-8118-5355-2. * ''The Heirloom Tomato Cookbook'' by Mimi Luebbermann, Robert Holmes, and Dan Mills, 2006, {{ISBN|978-0-8118-5355-2}}.
* ''The Encyclopedia of Cajun & Creole Cuisine'' by John D. Folse, 2004, p.&nbsp;786, ISBN 978-0-9704457-1-1. * ''The Encyclopedia of Cajun & Creole Cuisine'' by John D. Folse, 2004, p.&nbsp;786, {{ISBN|978-0-9704457-1-1}}.
* ''The Pleasure of Your Company: Entertaining in High Style'' by Kimberly Schlegel, 2004, p.&nbsp;122, ISBN 978-1-58685-314-3. * ''The Pleasure of Your Company: Entertaining in High Style'' by Kimberly Schlegel, 2004, p.&nbsp;122, {{ISBN|978-1-58685-314-3}}.
* Introduction to ''Military High Life. Elegant Food Histories and Recipes'' by Agostino Von Hassell, 2006, {{ISBN|978-1-931948-60-9}}.
* Forward to ''Trout Point Lodge Cookbook: Creole Cuisine from New Orleans to Nova Scotia'', Random House, 2004

*''New Orleans Program: Eat, Exercise, and Enjoy Life'', with David A., M.D. Newsome, 2006, {{ISBN|978-1-58980-344-2}}.

*''Reel Masters: Chefs Casting about with Timing and Grace '',
Susan Schadt (Author) John Besh (Contribution by) John Currence (Contribution by) Kelly English (Contribution by) Chris Hastings (Contribution by) Donald Link (Contribution by) Walter Bundy (Contribution by) Kevin Willman (Contribution by) Jeremiah Bacon (Contribution by) Lisa Buser (Photographer) Peter Kaminsky (Foreword by), 2016, {{ISBN|978-0997355918}}


==References== ==References==
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==External links== ==External links==
{{Portal|Biography}} {{Portal|Biography}}
{{commons cat}}
* {{official|http://www.chefjohnbesh.com/}}
* *
*


{{Authority control}} {{Authority control}}


{{Persondata
| NAME = Besh, John
| ALTERNATIVE NAMES =
| SHORT DESCRIPTION = American chef
| DATE OF BIRTH = May 14, 1968
| PLACE OF BIRTH = Meridian, Mississippi, USA
| DATE OF DEATH =
| PLACE OF DEATH =
}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Besh, John}} {{DEFAULTSORT:Besh, John}}
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Latest revision as of 01:30, 2 January 2025

American chef
John Besh
Besh in 2012
Born (1968-05-14) May 14, 1968 (age 56)
Meridian, Mississippi, U.S.
EducationCulinary Institute of America
SpouseJenifer Berrigan Besh
Children4
Websitechefjohnbesh.com

John Besh (born May 14, 1968) is an American chef, TV personality, philanthropist, restaurateur and author. He is known for his efforts in preserving the culinary heritage of New Orleans cuisine.

Background

Besh was born in Meridian, Mississippi, and raised in Slidell. He has been married to Jenifer Berrigan Besh since 1991; together they have four children. The family are practicing Catholics and parishioners of the St. Luke the Evangelist Church in Slidell, Louisiana. Besh is a former US Marine. In 1992, he graduated from The Culinary Institute of America (CIA), but his schooling was cut short owing to his serving in the Gulf War.

In 1999, Food & Wine named Besh among the "Best New Chefs" based on his food at restaurant Artesia.

John Besh was a co-owner with Octavio Mantilla of Besh Restaurant Group (BRG), the group formed after they bought out the original investors of the acclaimed restaurant August.

In 2006, Besh won the James Beard Award for "Best Chef, South". In 2008, he earned Food Arts' Silver Spoon Award for "revitalizing the culinary legacy of New Orleans".

Sexual misconduct controversy

See also: Weinstein effect

In 2017, the BRG managers and owners were accused of perpetuating "a culture of sexual harassment" and sexual misconduct at the restaurants, publicized by 25 current and former employees.

Besh addressed the accusations in a statement: "Two years ago, I deeply hurt those I love by thoughtlessly engaging in a consensual relationship with one member of my team. Since then I have been seeking to rebuild my marriage and come to terms with my reckless actions given the profound love I have for my wife, my boys and my Catholic faith." Celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain tweeted an image of the complaint filed against Besh's group, calling it "the beginning of the end of institutionalized Meathead Culture in the restaurant business".

Two days after the allegations were made public, Besh stepped down from BRG. BRG executive Shannon White replaced Besh as CEO of the restaurant group. BRG was renamed BRG Hospitality after Besh's departure.

Aftermath

In October 2017, in response to the allegations of sexual misconduct, Besh stepped down from the executive advisory board for the Center for Ethics and Culture at the University of Notre Dame. According to the National Catholic Reporter, "Other Catholic entities that have been affiliated with Besh have not released statements about their future relationship". Besh also served as a judge (alongside fellow chef Giada De Laurentiis) on an episode of the Food Network series Iron Chef Showdown that was originally set to air on December 13, 2017; however, the episode got pushed back to January 10, 2018, with Besh having been digitally edited out.

Lindsey Reynolds, the former Besh Restaurant Group staff member who helped expose the company's culture of sexual harassment, is one of the people Time magazine named among the national #MeToo movement as 2017's Time Person of the Year.

Restaurants

Many of his restaurants have celebrated Louisiana regional cooking, including Restaurant August, Besh Steakhouse, Lüke, La Provence, Domenica, Pizza Domenica, Johnny Sánchez, Shaya and Borgne.

The following active restaurants are associated with Besh:

  • August – New Orleans' Central Business District – his flagship restaurant, featuring contemporary French cuisine with an emphasis on local ingredients. Featured in Gourmet magazine's "Guide to America's Best Restaurants" and "America's Top 50 Restaurants".
  • Borgne – Hyatt Regency – coastal Louisiana cuisine, such as shrimp toast rissoles, oyster spaghetti and seafood stuffed flounder.
  • Domenica – Roosevelt Hotel – Italian; name means "Sunday" in Italian.
  • Lüke – New Orleans Central Business District – French, German and Creole cuisine.
  • Pizza Domenica – Uptown New Orleans – A casual spinoff of Domenica.
  • Shaya – New Orleans Uptown – Modern Israeli cuisine.
  • Willa Jean – The Paramount at South Market District – bakery and restaurant opened in August 2015.
  • The Caribbean Room, Bayou Bar, Hot Tin, Silverwhistle Cafe – All located at the historic Pontchartrain Hotel opened summer of 2016.
  • Eunice – "Cajun, Creole brasserie", opening "late Fall 2017" in Houston, Texas

The following restaurants associated with Besh are now closed or no longer feature Besh:

  • Artesia – was located in Abita Springs, Louisiana.
  • Besh Steak – Harrah's New Orleans Casino – steakhouse. In October 2017, Harrah's announced that they would be terminating the relationship with Besh Restaurant Group (BRG) after the controversy around sexual harassment and sexual misconduct.
  • La Provence – Lacombe, Louisiana – French, Besh sold the restaurant in May 2017; the restaurant closed in 2018.
  • Lüke – San Antonio location(closed in 2017)
  • Johnny Sánchez Baltimore – Mexican-Inspired fare, co-owned with Aarón Sánchez, closed in 2017.
  • Johnny Sánchez – located in New Orleans, Mexican-Inspired fare opened in October 2014, this was co-owned with Aarón Sánchez. But as of February 2019 Besh is no longer involved with this restaurant, he was replaced by long time employees Miles Landrem, and Drew Mire.

Television appearances

Year released Television show title Network Notes
2005 Chefs A' Field Warner Hanson Television, KCTS Episode 307, broadcast January 1, 2005, episode takes place on a shrimp boat
2006 Iron Chef America Food Network Season 3, Episode 1
2007 Food Network Challenge Food Network Season 5, Episode 9, role of judge of the mac and cheese challenge
2007 Iconoclasts Sundance Channel Episode 17, broadcast November 22, 2007
2007 The Next Iron Chef Food Network Season 1, runner up contestant
2009 – 2014 Top Chef Bravo Network Appears in the Season 5 Finale, as well as Seasons 8, 9 and 11; always as a guest judge.
2009 Top Chef Masters Bravo Network Season 1, contestant
2010 Treme HBO Season 1, Episode 7, "Smoke My Peace Pipe", plays self
2010 Inedible To Incredible TLC host
2011 Chef John Besh's New Orleans Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) Premiered in April 2011, host of the 26-part cooking series.
2013 Chef John Besh's Family Table WYES-New Orleans premiered in 2013, host of the 26-part cooking series.
2014 Hungry Investors Paramount Network reality tv host
2016 NCIS: New Orleans CBS Season 2, Episode 22 , "Help Wanted", broadcast May 3, 2016

Bibliography

Cookbooks

Contributions

Besh has contributed writing, recipes or been featured in the following books:

  • The Heirloom Tomato Cookbook by Mimi Luebbermann, Robert Holmes, and Dan Mills, 2006, ISBN 978-0-8118-5355-2.
  • The Encyclopedia of Cajun & Creole Cuisine by John D. Folse, 2004, p. 786, ISBN 978-0-9704457-1-1.
  • The Pleasure of Your Company: Entertaining in High Style by Kimberly Schlegel, 2004, p. 122, ISBN 978-1-58685-314-3.
  • Introduction to Military High Life. Elegant Food Histories and Recipes by Agostino Von Hassell, 2006, ISBN 978-1-931948-60-9.
  • Forward to Trout Point Lodge Cookbook: Creole Cuisine from New Orleans to Nova Scotia, Random House, 2004
  • New Orleans Program: Eat, Exercise, and Enjoy Life, with David A., M.D. Newsome, 2006, ISBN 978-1-58980-344-2.
  • Reel Masters: Chefs Casting about with Timing and Grace ,

Susan Schadt (Author) John Besh (Contribution by) John Currence (Contribution by) Kelly English (Contribution by) Chris Hastings (Contribution by) Donald Link (Contribution by) Walter Bundy (Contribution by) Kevin Willman (Contribution by) Jeremiah Bacon (Contribution by) Lisa Buser (Photographer) Peter Kaminsky (Foreword by), 2016, ISBN 978-0997355918

References

  1. ^ "Chef John Besh". New Orleans Online. New Orleans Tourism Marketing. Archived from the original on 2014-03-03. Retrieved January 7, 2017.
  2. ^ Anderson, Brett (October 21, 2017). "John Besh restaurants fostered culture of sexual harassment, 25 women say". The Times-Picayune. NOLA.com. Retrieved October 22, 2017.
  3. ^ Severson, Kim (October 31, 2007). "From Disaster, a Chef Forges an Empire". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2017-01-07.
  4. ^ Schlumpf, Heidi (November 2, 2017). "Chef's Catholic connections in spotlight after sexual harassment allegations". National Catholic Reporter. Retrieved November 29, 2017.
  5. ^ "Chef John Besh of Besh Restaurant Group". StarChefs. 2012. Retrieved January 7, 2017.
  6. "Alumni, Besh, John". The Culinary Institute of America. Retrieved January 7, 2017.
  7. ^ Anderson, Brett (October 21, 2017). "From combat Marine to celebrity chef: How John Besh built a restaurant empire post-Katrina". The Times-Picayune. Retrieved June 9, 2018 – via NOLA.com.
  8. "Report: Chef John Besh accused of allowing culture of sexual harassment at his restaurants". The Advocate. October 21, 2017.
  9. DeJesus, Erin (October 21, 2017). "25 John Besh Employees Allege Sexual Harassment in His Restaurants: The New Orleans restaurant group, according to a report, fostered a culture that encouraged harassment and assault". eater.com.
  10. Kimble, Lindsay (October 22, 2017). "Celebrity Chef John Besh's Restaurant Group Accused of Fostering Sexual Harassment". People.
  11. Bourdain, Anthony (October 21, 2017). "The beginning of the end of institutionalized Meathead Culture in the restaurant business" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  12. "Celebrity chef John Besh resigns amid sexual harassment allegations". CBS News. October 23, 2017.
  13. Chokshi, Niraj (October 23, 2017). "Chef John Besh Steps Down Amid Sexual Harassment Scandal". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved June 9, 2018.
  14. McNulty, Ian (October 23, 2017). "Chef John Besh, facing sexual harassment allegations, leaves the restaurant company he founded". The Advocate. Retrieved June 9, 2018.
  15. Burton, Monica (October 23, 2017). "John Besh Steps Down from Restaurant Group Following Sexual Harassment Allegations: 25 women accused the restaurants of creating a culture that allowed harassment and assault". eater.com.
  16. Carter, Stephanie (May 21, 2018). "Despite Tempestuous Year, John Besh's Restaurant Group Pushes Ahead With Opening". Eater New Orleans. Retrieved June 9, 2018. John Besh's restaurant group (now called BRG Hospitality)
  17. Morabito, Greg (January 9, 2018). "John Besh Gets Edited Out of 'Iron Chef Showdown,' Finally - Eater". Eater. Vox Media. Retrieved April 17, 2018.
  18. Myers, Dan (January 11, 2018). "It sure looks like John Besh was edited out of this week's 'Iron Chef Showdown' - LA Times". LA Times. Tronc. Retrieved April 17, 2018.
  19. Carter, Stephanie (December 7, 2017). "Time Magazine Spotlights Besh Whistle-Blower Lindsey Reynolds". Eater New Orleans.
  20. "Besh Restaurant Group". Archived from the original on 2013-07-01. Retrieved 2013-06-18.
  21. McCarthy, Amy (2016-06-07). "New Orleans Chef John Besh Is Officially Headed To Houston". Eater Houston. Retrieved 2017-01-07.
  22. Para, Jen (Sep 27, 2017). "Houston serving up a slate of new restaurants this fall and beyond". BizJournals.com. Retrieved 2017-10-23.
  23. Masunaga, Samantha (2017-10-23). "Celebrity chef John Besh steps down from restaurant group amid sexual harassment allegations". Los Angeles Times. ISSN 0458-3035. Retrieved 2017-10-23.
  24. "La Provence, A Lacombe Institution, Is Closed and For Sale for $1 Million [Updated]". Eater New Orleans. Retrieved 2018-06-08.
  25. Chaudhury, Nadia (2017-02-20). "New Orleans Chef John Besh Is Closing Lüke San Antonio". Eater Austin. Retrieved 2017-07-28.
  26. "Johnny Sanchez Baltimore, Co-Owned By John Besh, Closes Its Doors". Eater New Orleans. Retrieved 2017-10-25.
  27. McNulty, Ian (2019-02-16). "John Besh out at Johnny Sanchez; chef Aaron Sanchez, partners to run New Orleans restaurant". The Advocate. Retrieved 2019-05-20.
  28. "Batali vs. Besh". Food Network. Retrieved 2018-06-08.
  29. "Food Network Challenge Mac and Cheese". Food Network. Retrieved 2018-06-08.
  30. Top Chef (TV Series 2006– ), retrieved 2017-12-11
  31. "Chef John Besh's New Orleans | Cooking Shows | PBS Food". PBS Food. 2011-10-11. Archived from the original on 2017-02-21. Retrieved 2017-01-07.
  32. "John Besh's New Orleans, Series |". WYES New Orleans. Archived from the original on 2017-01-07. Retrieved 2017-01-07.
  33. ^ "Press Release – John Besh's Family Table". WYES New Orleans. Retrieved 2017-01-07.

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