Local chef gets national braise

Lexington’s very own Sam Fore is a James Beard Award finalist.

Sam Fore leaning against a door.

Sam is one of five finalists for the Best Chef: Southeast. | Photo by Dennis Cahlo

Just one day after unveiling the location for her new restaurant, Sam Fore has been announced as a James Beard Award finalist.

Sam, owner of pop-up Tuk Tuk Sri Lankan Bites, is among five finalists for Best Chef: Southeast — and the only chef representing Kentucky on the list.

When we last spoke with Sam in February, she had just revealed her plans for Tuk Tuk Snack Shop, her first brick-and-mortar restaurant in town. In just the last few days, the globe-trotting chef unveiled a new logo and announced that she will take over the former Brewed location at 124 Malabu Dr. Suite 110, just off Nicholasville Road.

She hopes for the restaurant to be opened by late this summer or early fall.

More from LEXtoday
Bookmark this guide for a curated list of events taking place each month that we’re most looking forward to.
Check out the co-working community that Lexington writers and New York Times bestsellers call home.
A guide to skating, skiing, and snow-filled fun close to home.
The annual Great Backyard Bird Count attracts more than one million people nationwide to help record the bird population.
We’re just a bunch of weirdoughs diving head first into LEX’s must-try pizza shops including Goodfellas, Pearl’s Pizza Pie, and Rolling Oven.
Discover local homes that showcase the latest design and lifestyle trends for 2026. From colorful finishes to energy-smart features, these properties have it all.
Elevated Southern breakfast and lunch hits downtown Versailles. Chef Olivia Jackson leads the kitchen under award-winning Cole Arimes.
Sponsored
The Lexington Herald-Leader released its annual roundup of UK’s top earners and employee salary database. We’re breaking down the key takeaways from one of Lexington’s largest employers.
Sponsored