Date: Thursday, July 21, 2022
Cocktail Hour: 6:30pm
Dinner: 7:30pm
Location: Hickory at Nicewonder Farms

The Appalachian Supper allows each chef to present a course for guests. These friends share a commitment to placed-based cuisine which means they highlight Appalachian food and how it absolutely “guides how we cook”. In a recent phone call with the chefs they said, our region is not “sexy like Charleston, or heavy like Texas. We’ve got a certain grit.” Ronni lovingly describes Appalachian food as having a “whang”. 

Ronni, who clearly is a sort of mother figure for Milton, Boden, and Lee sees a great connection between what may otherwise look like a diverse group. In fact, she is the connection. She sought out each chef during her research for various projects. All have an appreciation for the same flavor profiles, and for the importance and significance of food preservation represented by Boden’s Eastern European Jewish heritage, Lee’s Korean American perspective, and both Lundi’s and Milton’s distinct Appalachian backgrounds. 

Ronni Lundy says “we (and many chefs of this region) are broadening the story we have been given about Appalachia.” Those who want to learn more about this evolving story and the significance of our region in the culinary world will not be disappointed. 

As a prelude to the supper, guests are also invited to a special cocktail hour featuring a bio-regional, tea cocktail by Appalachian Teas & Botanicals and Chef Travis Milton. The tea, a unique blend of Asian oolong and Southern Appalachia grown and gathered, is custom blended for the Virginia Highlands Festival.

Tickets to the Chef Chat at Barter Theatre are $50 each and tickets to An Appalachian Supper at Hickory Fine Dining are $160 each. Those who attend the Supper will receive a signed copy of “Buttermilk Graffiti” by Edward Lee. Those who attend the Chat and the Supper will save $10 on the bundle and additionally receive a signed copy of “Victuals” by Ronni Lundy.