The James Beard Awards, considered to be among the nation’s most prestigious honors, recognize exceptional talent in the culinary and food media industries, as well as a demonstrated commitment to racial and gender equity, community, sustainability, and a culture where all can thrive.
Chef Becky Clark of Little Fish Brewing Company was nominated as a semi finalist in the Best Chef: Great Lakes (IL, IN, MI, OH) category. In talking with Becky last night, she shared she “was still a little shell shocked from the news.” She found out when a wine rep congratulated one of her co-workers, and that co-worked called her and asked if she knew. She didn’t until that call. Clark said she’s followed the James Beard Awards for years, always trying to dine at restaurants nominated, but had no idea how she got nominated this year. She knows it wasn’t anyone she works with, and hopes to find out who nominated her soon.
Finalists will be announced on Wednesday, March 29, and winners will be celebrated at the James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards Ceremony on Monday, June 5, 2023, at the Lyric Opera of Chicago.
Becky has been the Executive Chef at the Athens brewery for over four years. When they announced the Dayton location she was excited to oversee this kitchen as well. She explains that her menu philosophy is driven by local agriculture and seasonal availability. She went on to say she’s been incredibly impressed with the local vendors and farmers and about how wonderful they are to work with. She was recently checking on the availability of local radishes and was thrilled to find out she had a dozen options to choose from. She’s been getting bread from Good Hands Bread Company, Ghostlight is doing her burger buns and she can’t wait to create more collaborations with our local farms.
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One of the newer dishes to hit the menu is spanakopita. This plate features flaky phyllo dough, filled with spinach and feta cheese, all set on top of preserved lemon hummus, olives, dill yogurt, and spiced harissa carrots.
Risotto is a staple on the menu, though the version seems to change frequently. Currently their is a cod rissoto and this special saffron rissoto made a guest appearance last week.
Want to try her food? There are still a few tickets left for the Tuesday, Jan 31st 5 course Beer Paring Dinner. Not lucky enough to score a ticket, you can still dine at Little Fish for lunch or dinner Wednesday – Sunday. It’s an elevated enough spot for a great date night dinner, yet casual enough you can stop by for a beer while out for a run.
Little Fish is a family friendly place. Chef Becky shares that The little Minnows menu that just rolled out follows her fresh food beliefs, featuring house-made cod fish sticks, hummus and veggies for dipping and a hand patty beef or veggie burger.
Catch happy hours Wednesday through Friday with special happy hour food and drink menu from 3-6pm. There are $5 dollar beers, cocktails, and small plates!
116 Webster Street
Dayton, OH 45402
Wed & Thurs: 11am – 10pm
Fri & Sat 11am – 11pm
Sun 10am – 10pm
