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.

One of the features of the "eat local" movement has been an urging to get to know the farmers who grow your food. ...