The culinary communities of New Orleans and Asheville are coming together in an inspiring show of solidarity through the Cooks for Carolina dinner series. In the wake of Hurricane Helene, which severely impacted Asheville’s hospitality sector, over twenty chefs from New Orleans have committed to creating unique fundraising events to support Asheville’s independent restaurants and their employees. This powerful initiative reflects a mutual bond built on resilience and a deep understanding of the challenges restaurateurs face when disaster strikes.
The series kicks off on November 6 and runs through the holiday season, with each participating New Orleans restaurant donating 100% of the proceeds from their event to the Always Asheville Fund, established by Explore Asheville. This nonprofit fund aims to provide emergency grants to independent restaurants across Asheville and Buncombe County, helping them to rebuild and sustain their businesses in the aftermath of the storm.
Chef John Harris, a key New Orleans organizer and chef-owner of Lilette and Bouligny Tavern, shared his personal connection to the cause, stating, “We know what they are going through in North Carolina, and we know what it’s like to be waiting for potable water.” His sentiment underscores the empathy driving this effort, as New Orleans has weathered similar crises in the past. Asheville chef Jacob Sessoms, founder of Perfectly Ad Hoc Hospitality Group, expressed his gratitude, acknowledging that the swift response from New Orleans chefs was no surprise: “It’s part of what makes New Orleans so special.”
Explore Asheville CEO Vic Isley also highlighted the significant impact of this support. “The Always Asheville Fund has been set up to help our small independent business owners with emergency grants that will aid in sustaining our deeply rooted hospitality community. This support will help keep Asheville’s restaurants open into the future,” she said.
Events will feature a range of culinary experiences from intimate dinners to larger gatherings, each headlined by both New Orleans and Asheville chefs who will join forces in the kitchen to create unforgettable menus. Highlights include chef-led dinners at venues like La Boca, Paradigm Gardens, Lilette, and Commander’s Palace, with North Carolina chefs joining each event to share their personal experiences.
For up-to-date information on events and to reserve your spot, visit www.cooksforcarolina.com. By participating in these dinners, patrons have a unique opportunity to support Asheville’s beloved restaurants while enjoying a showcase of Southern culinary excellence.
