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ABOUT
Entering its eighth exhilarating season, the NCRLA Chef Showdown is North Carolina’s premier statewide culinary and mixology competition. This distinguished event, presented by Got To Be NC, spotlights the exceptional talent of North Carolina’s chefs, pastry chefs, mixologists, and distilleries. Competitors are tasked with creating dishes and drinks that highlight the finest North Carolina proteins, produce, and products, vying for the esteemed titles of NCRLA Chef of the Year, NCRLA Pastry Chef of the Year, NCRLA Mixologist and Distillery of the Year, and introducing the new category for 2024, NCRLA Best Mocktail of the Year.
The Grand Finale, set for August 26, 2024, at Bay 7 at the American Tobacco Campus in Durham, promises to be a showcase of innovation, creativity, and local pride. Winners will earn the honor of joining the 2024-2025 Got To Be NC team of culinary and beverage ambassadors, further solidifying their role in promoting North Carolina’s rich gastronomic and agricultural heritage. For our guests sipping and sampling pleasure, each of the sweet and savory plates served at the Grand Finale will be paired with a sample-sized pour of an award-winning NC Wine.
Tickets Are Now On Sale
2024 NCRLA Chef Showdown Grand Finale
Monday August 26, 2024, 6-8:30 pm
Bay 7 at the American Tobacco Campus in Durham NC
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Adé Carrena of Dounou Cuisine in Raleigh
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Stephanie Elliott of Merle’s representing Call Family Distillers in Wilkesboro
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Emily Parker in Greenville
AWARDS + DETAILS
MEET THE COMPETITORS
THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS!
“This competition not only celebrates the culinary and mixology talents of our state but also emphasizes the importance of sourcing locally, reinforcing our commitment to North Carolina’s farms and producers.”
Lynn Minges, NCRLA President & CEO
Application & Rules
The application period for the 2024 Chef Showdown has ended. While you can no longer apply this season, we encourage you to review the competition rules for more information. We look forward to your participation next year!