John Besh

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. Besh was born in Meridian, Mississippi, and raised in Slidell. He has been married to Jenifer Berrigan Besh since 1991, and they have four children. Besh is a former US Marine and a graduate of The Culinary Institute of America (CIA). In 1999, Food & Wine named him one of the 'Best New Chefs.' Besh was a co-owner of Besh Restaurant Group (BRG) and won the James Beard Award for 'Best Chef, South' in 2006.