The NCRLA 2025 Chef Showdown rolled into North Carolina’s capital city with the same flavor-packed energy we’ve seen across the state. Hosted in the gorgeous teaching kitchens of Wake Tech Community College’s Baking & Pastry Arts program, the Triangle-area culinary prelim showcased some serious kitchen chops, standout local ingredients, and a top-tier panel of judges.
Twelve chefs and pastry chefs brought their best to this round of competition, putting their own spin on seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. From creative plated desserts to jaw-dropping savory dishes, the day was a vibrant display of what makes the Triangle’s culinary scene so dynamic.
At the 2025 Chef Showdown Judges’ Table: Triangle Edition
This round’s powerhouse panel of judges was made up of three standout names in North Carolina’s culinary community. pictured here with this food writer, who always loves getting in on the fun!
Chef Jamie Davis, executive chef of The Hackney in Washington, NC; 2024 James Beard Finalist for Outstanding Chef of the Southeast
Pastry Chef Justin Fry of JF Chocolates in Charlotte, NC and founder of the biennial National Pastry Conference
Chef Ricky Moore of Saltbox Seafood Joint in Durham, NC; and the 2023 James Beard Foundation Outstanding Chef of the Southeast
This trio of culinary rockstars took time out for this photo op with NCRLA’s Lynn Minges. Then, they judged each dish with care, curiosity, and a healthy dose of fun. They connected with competitors, chatted with media, and shared plenty of behind-the-scenes moments.
All reminding us that food competitions can be as joyful as they are intense. I am grateful for their constant support and longtime friendship.
Also grateful to the team at Visit Raleigh. The CVB, always championing our state’s hospitality and culinary talent, was our Judges’ Table sponsor for this round.
Meet the Chefs: Triangle Preliminary Competitors
Each of these talented chefs brought big ideas and bold flavors to the table:
- Chef Richard Carter, Catering Works – Raleigh
- Chef Raekwon Cohen, Colletta – Cary
- Chef Elijah Edwards, Native Fine Diner – Greenville
- Em Ecker, King Neptune – Wrightsville Beach
- Chef Peter “PJ” Harlin, Tramonto Food Group – Cary
- Chef Carie Hicks, Chef’s Palette Restaurant & Bar – Cary
- Chef Khanh Hoang, Yo Xoi – Durham
- Chef Helena Larson, Indigo Road Hospitality – Raleigh
- Chef Bobby McFarland, Glasshouse Kitchen – Durham
- Chef Rick Sloan, NC Museum of Art/Catering Works – Raleigh
- Chef Trenton Shank, Brier Creek Country Club – Raleigh
- Chef Semion Spencer, Island Bodega – Raleigh
We won’t know what happens or who will move forward till the day after the June 16 culinary preliminary round in Asheville, then its on to the regional round semifinals.
Meantime, thanks to our NCRLA Chef Showdown sponsors for this round…
Rooftop Views & Restful Vibes: AC Hotel Raleigh Downtown
A huge thank-you to our lodging sponsor for this round: the stylish AC Hotel Raleigh Downtown. The AC is situated in the heart of Raleigh’s Glenwood South Neighborhood Collaborative. Making this beautiful hotel just steps away from downtown Raleigh’s best bars, restaurants, and cultural hotspots.
The Willard, is the hotel’s rooftop bar and restaurant with both indoor and outdoor seating, expansive patios, and unbeatable views.
Sipping a morning coffee at sunrise or enjoying cocktails as the sun sets, it’s a wonderful spot to start or end your day. We all loved calling the AC our home base. The hotel offered us a place to relax, recharge, and soak in all that makes Raleigh such a vibrant culinary hub.
Our next stop is our fifth culinary round of competition at AB Tech Community College in Asheville on June 16. Then, stay tuned for the announcement of the chefs and pastry chefs from this season who will be moving on to one of the two 2025 Chef Showdown regional rounds of culinary competition later this month. It all leads up to the August 4 Grand Finale.
Don’t Miss It! Aug 4 Chef Showdown Grand Finale – You Are Invited!
This exciting day of competition was just one more step toward the main event: the 2025 Chef Showdown Grand Finale on August 4 at Bay 7 in Durham.
There, 15 savory chefs, 5 pastry chefs, and 6 mixology teams will compete for top honors and statewide bragging rights. Titles include:
- NCRLA Chef of the Year
- NCRLA Pastry Chef of the Year
- NCRLA Mixologist of the Year
- NCRLA Distillery of the Year
- NCRLA Mocktail of the Year
Plus we will recognized top contenders for their best use of NC Dairy products in a dish, dessert, cocktail; and mocktail with the Undeniably Dairy Awards, presented by The Dairy Alliance.
Guests will enjoy sample-size bites and sips, enjoy a tasting or two or three from this year’s new NC Wine Bar, sponsored by NC Wines, cast their votes in the People’s Choice Awards powered by Sysco, and enter the Carolina Cooker Cast Iron Raffle to win one of the terrific cast iron pans our chefs have been using all season long.
✨ Tickets are on sale now at NCChefShowdown.com. Don’t sleep on this one-night-only annual celebration of North Carolina food and drink! Call Your friends, save the date and get your tickets now! #TellThemHeidiSentYou