Each year the James Beard Awards endeavor to recognize the talent and achievement of exceptional culinary artists. Among this year’s prestigious nominees, is Ashland chef and owner of MÄS, Joshua Dorcak.

It’s the second time Josh Dorcak, who runs the restaurant MÄS, was chosen as a semifinalist for “best chef.” Josh Dorcak has dubbed his menu “Cascadian cuisine.” It’s Japanese-inspired fine dining that includes local ingredients, like wild flowers and vegetables, sometimes from Ashland's own mountains. JPR’s Justin Higginbottom visited Dorcak at his cozy restaurant, MÄS, where he first explained how he made it to Ashland from his hometown in Silicon Valley.

Beat the crowds and check out these four award hopefuls in Oregon while you can still get in.

In Ashland, one local chef’s Japanese-inspired Cascadian cuisine is impressing diners and critics not only in the Rogue Valley, but across the United States.