Some of you may remember when we broke the story about “The Soil Remembers” back in January, a documentary about Montgomery Sky Farm directed by Greenville’s Rioin Oshiro. You may also remember former Urban Wren executive chef Taylor Montgomery is currently a finalist for the James Beard Award for Best Chef Southeast, along with Joe Cash of Scoundrel.
“The Soil Remembers” is now nominated for a James Beard Commercial Media award, involving Montgomery in two potential wins.
The documentary details Montgomery’s 2024 experience committing full-time to a regenerative farm and dining business northwest of Asheville, North Carolina. It examines the transition from employee to businessman and the apprehension that comes with starting an enterprise. Just as Montgomery began to get his bearings as an entrepreneur, Hurricane Helene hit the Upstate and Western North Carolina. Montgomery and his wife Fran pivoted, helping to feed the devastated community.
“Seeing people cry over salad is a powerful thing when you witness it,” Fran Montgomery recalled in January.
Oshiro, owner of Undercurrent Film Co., won Greenville’s first James Beard media award in 2024 for his film “Great Wall,” following the story of Khailing Neoh and the opening of downtown’s Sum Bar.
“At its core, this film is about people choosing to care deeply for something bigger than themselves,” Oshiro said about his film in a written statement. “Taylor and Fran have built a life centered around the land, their community and service to others. I think that resonates deeply, especially in the world we’re living in right now.”
The city of Greenville has drawn immense attention in the past 12 months – featuring on Bravo’s Top Chef cooking show, and earning its first Michelin Star and guide recommendations. Now it is up for a second or even third James Beard Award win.
***
Bite-sized bits:
- It looks like the Greer location for The Slice is getting closer to opening. The Simpsonville-based pizzeria posted on social media in mid-April that it was hiring front-of-house positions.
