Serving Boone, Blowing Rock, Banner Elk, and other towns of the North Carolina High Country | Founded 05-05-05

Salute Your Chefs, Satisfy Your Appetite

Annual Salute to High Country Chefs Is Saturday

Story by Anna Oakes

It’s a chance to sample foods from more than a dozen local restaurants, corporate chefs and food distributors—all for what you might spend dining at just one of these establishments. The ninth annual Salute to High Country Chefs is this Saturday, April 12, at the Broyhill Inn and Conference Center.

Hosted by the High Country Chefs and Cooks Association (HCCCA), the local chapter of the American Culinary Federation, the event will begin at 6:30 p.m. with a silent auction, hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar. Auction items include original works of art, wine, furniture, kitchen wares and gift certificates.

At 7:15 p.m., dinner will be served buffet-style, with menu selections at each restaurant’s table. Participating eateries include Vidalia, Storie Street Grille, Jackalope’s View, Jackson Dining Room, Café Portofino, Casa Rustica, Mangia Buona, the Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute culinary team, the Avery High School culinary team, IFH food distributors, Sysco Food Services, Phillips Foods and U.S. Foods. Ice Sensations will create an ice sculpture for the event.

Proceeds from the event will fund the HCCCA’s education and scholarship programs for local high school students pursuing the culinary arts. The HCCCA donates directly to Avery County High School and students participating in the Caldwell Community College culinary program.

Additionally, funds will support the culinary program at Asheville-Buncombe Technical College. Students in that program have been competitive in the national team competitions hosted by the American Culinary Federation every year, winning first place at the 2007 competition in Orlando, Fla.

“All of our funds raised come from ticket sales and from silent auction sales,” said Bill Morris, president of the HCCCA and executive chef at the Broyhill Inn.

The HCCCA has about 24 active members—twice as many as last year, Morris said.

“It’s growing rather rapidly over the last 18 months,” he said.

Tickets are still available for the Saturday event. Purchase tickets in advance for $40 per person or pay $45 at the door. Corporate sponsorship of 10 tickets and a reserved table is $450. For additional information or to purchase tickets, call 828-262-2204.

Want To Go?

Date: Saturday, April 12
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Location: Broyhill Inn & Conference Center
Cost: $40 in advance/$45 at the door