Countdown To The Community Table Greensboro
I don’t know about you but I am definitely in countdown mode. There is a great deal of anticipation about the upcoming Community Table fundraiser in Greensboro. If you’ve not read my two previous posts and learned of all the amazing participants, I’m talking top chefs, distilleries, breweries and more, you can catch those here and here. Today I’m divulging the final 5 chefs who will be feeding you if you’re lucky enough to hold a ticket. Haven’t snagged your seat at Community Table yet? Click here to do so now!
Double Oaks BnB is the setting for this years table. Nestled behind towering oaks over 200 years old this turn-of-the-century colonial revival mansion, completed in 1909, sets the stage for an evening of enjoyment, entertainment, laughter and community. The house is the only known residential design of G. Will Armfield (1848–1927), a Guilford County native who pursued a successful career as a dry goods merchant before taking up architecture in his late 50s. Fully restored to it’s original glory Double Oaks hosts weddings, private events, business functions and public gatherings. Double Oaks is located at 204 North Mendenhall St., Greensboro, NC.
Ready to meet the remaining chefs involved in this years Community Table? This is one powerful group of chefs. I am super excited about each of them. Let’s begin with Chef de Cuisine, Michael Harkenreader of Undercurrent Restaurant, where elegant dining is the name of the game. A graduate of The Culinary Institute of America A.S. 2001 and University of Delaware B.S. 2004, Michael has been at Undercurrent for over 10 years. Chef Harkenreader serves fresh, local and seasonal fare and isn’t that exactly what Community Table is all about? Always striving to be creative, Chef Michael finds gratification in serving a menu of regionally influenced dishes. Yum!
I’d now like to introduce you to Reed Gordon, Chef de Cuisine at Greensboro Country Clubs’s Farm Course located off Carlson Dairy Road. When I learned that Reed grew up watching cooking shows such as “The Galloping Gourmet” and Justin Wilson’s “Louisiana Cooking” I knew the love of food must be ingrained in his soul. Before earning a degree in Food and Nutrition from Appalachian State he worked at Chick-Fil-A and continued to do so as he worked through college. Keeping his education even more local he also completed Culinary school at Guilford Technical Community College. Chef Gordon’s dedication to his craft will no doubt ensure us of something tasty prepared by him just for Community Table diners.
Voted Best Chef in Guilford County this year, what an honor to welcome Chef Chris Blackburn to our round up of top chefs. Chef Blackburn is co-owner and founder of Lindley Park Filling Station with his partner, Sarah Keith. The two partners also offer breakfast, brunch and lunch at Scrambled Southern Diner. With two restaurants under his belt Chris is always on the lookout for quality ingredients as he knows that’s what is needed to turn out quality food. Chris grows his own garden where local and fresh is certain. “I like to watch things grow, knowing that they will be on someone’s plate in my restaurant,” says Blackburn. North Carolina born and raised, Chris relies on the inspiration from his grandmother’s home cooking fused with his own bold spirit in the kitchen. Best Chef in Gilford County 2018 – what other than great provisions can we expect from Chris Blackburn?
Genius behind the innovative menu at GIA Eat Drink and Listen is Chef Anders Benton. Chef Anders will be joining the chefs in the kitchen on September 30 for Community Table. Anders originally intended to become a classical guitarist. After pursuing music studies at Penn-Griffin School for the Arts, Weaver Academy and East Carolina University, he reappeared in professional kitchens in Greensboro. Benton began his career in the kitchen at the age of 15, washing dishes at the Moose Cafe. His attention to trends in the culinary world quickened his promotion to executive chef at GIA. I’m curious to see what trends he’ll share with us at Community Table.
Before I wrap up our amazing cast of chefs let me acquaint you with Chef John Jones. One of the original partners at Southern Lights as well as one of the first hires at Quaintance Weaver, personal chef and the co-creator of The Next Supper, an underground dining collective. Former associations with Marshall Freehouse, J Pepper’s Southern Grille, Bin 33 and Lucky 32, where Jones is credited with creating a popular “mustard vinaigrette” which has never been revised. I feel it safe to say John is a veteran on the Greensboro restaurant scene. This guy is one creative dude!
I hope you’ll be joining us on Sunday the 30th of September. I’ll be buzzing around with camera in hand to capture all the excitement of the day and evening.
TICKETS – CLICK HERE
Photos furnished by Triad Local First and Community Table.
