Executive Chef Jeff Carter of Dancing Bear Appalachian Bistro just made history as the first-ever Grand Slam winner in the Cityview Top Chefs competition—taking 1st place in every single category:
🥇 Appetizer
🥇 Entrée
🥇 Dessert
🥇 Overall Experience
“We’ve had close calls and ties before—but this year delivered something unprecedented… it was a grand slam from a chef who has long been known not just for his refined take on Appalachian cuisine, but for his mentorship, consistency, and relentless pursuit of culinary excellence.” -Nathan Sparks, owner and publisher of Cityview Magazine
This isn’t just a win for Chef Jeff—it’s a win for our entire Bistro family. From the kitchen to the front of house, this honor reflects the passion, precision, and heart that our team pours into every plate and every guest experience. And we couldn’t have done it without YOU, our Friends of the Bear and our guests who took the time to vote for us. Thank you for your unwavering support!
Jeff has always believed that food tells a story—and this year, his menu spoke volumes. Every element came together in perfect harmony: the ingredients, the team, and the experience.
So join us in raising a glass (and a fork) to Chef Jeff and the entire Dancing Bear crew!









