Chef Colby Rasavong is a Nashville-based culinary talent acclaimed for blending his Laotian heritage with Southern traditions to craft bold, communal cuisine. An alum of Sean Brock’s renowned kitchens, he sharpened his skills at Husk, McCrady’s, and Audrey, earning the StarChefs Nashville Rising Star award in 2022. Recognized as a leading voice in modern Southern cooking, Rasavong now serves as Executive Chef at Bad Idea in East Nashville.

As owner and beverage director, Alex Burch brings depth and balance to Bad Idea with a meticulously curated wine and cocktail program that harmonizes with Rasavong’s vibrant cuisine. Known for his thoughtful pairings and welcoming approach to hospitality, Burch creates a dining experience that’s as refined as it is approachable.

Located in a repurposed East Nashville church, Bad Idea is a wine-centered restaurant that redefines Southern dining through a global lens. With its intimate, design-forward space and ever-evolving menu, the restaurant highlights the vibrant intersection of Laotian flavors and Southern ingredients. Guided by Chef Colby Rasavong’s inventive cooking and Alex Burch’s dynamic beverage curation, Bad Idea offers a refined yet approachable experience that earned it a spot as a James Beard Award semifinalist for Best New Restaurant.

The Nashville duo will team up with RT Lodge’s Trevor Stockton and team for a 4-course dinner with drink pairings on Monday, July 28.