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Jamie Davis, executive chef at The Hackney in Washington has been named a finalist for Best Chef Southeast by the James Beard Foundation, The Hackney announced on Wednesday, April 3. 

James Beard Awards are given to professionals in culinary arts, hospitality, media and the broader food system who show exceptional talent. These national and annual awards will be presented to winners on June 10 at the Lyric Opera House in Chicago. 

Davis is being considered for Best Chef Southeast along with: Rod Lassiter and Parnass Savang of Talat Market in Atlanta, Georgia; James London of Chubby Fish in Charleston, South Carolina; Robbie Robinson of City Limits Barbeque in West Columbia, South Carolina; Paul Smith of 1010 Bridge in West Virginia. 

Davis said he and his team will continue to produce high caliber menus as they wait to see who the winner will be. “We’re just gonna keep doing what we’re doing; keep on keeping on,” he said. 

In a social media post, The Hackney described Davis as “so talented and so humble” who is a “great leader and friend with an uncompromising work ethic” that pushes and leads everyone to be better than the day before.