Charlotte hosts national culinary summit

The Chef Assembly arrives in Charlotte, North Carolina, for its first Southern session from Nov. 2 to 3.

The two-day event takes place at Johnson & Wales Charlotte, a cooking school that has not previously hosted the national series. Past gatherings have occurred in New York City, Philadelphia, and Los Angeles. The conference focuses on pressing issues for restaurants operating in a challenging environment. Participants include hospitality leaders, food writers, and industry influencers.

Laura White, chief brand and strategy officer for the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority, spoke to the event's impact in an official announcement. She stated that hosting the assembly positions Charlotte as a national leader in culinary excellence. White added that the conference elevates local chefs alongside national voices. She noted the event reinforces the city's growing reputation as a dynamic food destination.

Three representatives from Davidson County will participate in the panels. Erin Byers Murray, editor-in-chief of The Local Palate, will join a discussion on modern restaurant criticism. Washington Post food journalist Tom Sietsema will moderate that session. The panel also includes several other national food writers and editors.

Julia Sullivan, executive chef at Henrietta Red, will represent Nashville on a panel regarding chef branding. The session addresses awards, accolades, and events. Hanna Raskin, founder of The Food Section, will lead the discussion. Sullivan will sit with Susan Bae, pastry chef at Moon Rabbit; Karl Gorline, chef and owner of Avize in Atlanta; and James London of Chubby Fish in Charleston.

Mackensy Lunsford of The Tennessean will moderate a separate panel titled "Next Generation Notes: Mentorship." Lunsford will guide the conversation between three chefs. The group includes E.J. Lagasse, executive chef at Emeril's in New Orleans. Cheetie Kumar of Ajja in Raleigh and Chad Williams of Friday Saturday Sunday in Philadelphia will also speak. Lagasse's restaurant holds two Michelin stars.