Charlotte Chefs Come to Greenville

Charlotte chefs and bartenders pop up in Greenville, South Carolina, for one night only! 

Some of Charlotte’s most celebrated chefs and mixologists are taking their talents on the road for a culinary experience you can enjoy without leaving Greenville, South Carolina! Savor Charlotte will truly be a showcase of the diverse culinary talent and techniques that have made have made the Queen City a top destination for food and drink enthusiasts. 

It’s no secret that Charlotte restaurants are having a moment. Supperland recently landed a spot on Bon Appétit magazine’s national “Top 10 Best New Restaurants” list, while the nearby Leah & Louise was named one of “America’s Best Restaurants 2022” by The New York Times. And Charlotte chef Bruce Moffett recently catered Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck’s wedding, as reported in Vogue magazine.

On November 10, 2022, Greenville residents and visitors will be able to choose from four curated drink and dinner menus, each created by a collaboration between a Charlotte chef and bartender for this one-night-only event. Each duo will be supported by the team of one of Greenville’s highly respected restaurants, four of which are opening their kitchens, bars, and dining rooms to participate in this unique culinary event.

The Savor Charlotte match ups with Greenville restaurants promise an evening of culinary creativity and memorable flavors all around from the following combinations:   

Meet the Savor Charlotte Line Up

Greenville Host: Michael Kramer, Jianna

Charlotte Chef: Bruce Moffett, Moffett Restaurant Group

Charlotte Bartender: Russ Johnson, The Public House

From atop its second-story perch overlooking downtown Greenville, Jianna offers everything you’d hope to find in a modern Italian Osteria. Classic dishes are elevated with fresh, seasonal ingredients and hand-crafted techniques. The bustling, open kitchen is the perfect stage for guest chef Bruce Moffet. One of Charlotte’s original farm-to-table chefs, Moffett currently owns a handful of the Queen City’s top restaurants. His Italian concept, Staggioni (which literally means “seasons”) earned a reputation for its creative approach to classic dishes. Moffett will be joined by his long-time friend, bartender Russ Johnson who brings an artistic edge to his cocktails. A self-described “drink designer,” Johnson is known for turning basic ingredients into inspired beverages while creating an educational and entertaining experience for his guests.

Greenville Host: Beau Owens, Lazy Goat

Charlotte Chef: Shai Fargian, YAFO Kitchen

Charlotte Bartender: Colleen Hughes, Supperland

Despite its relaxed, casual vibe, The Lazy Goat  is on point when it comes to creating thoughtful, Mediterranean inspired dishes. The small, shareable plates make this a popular spot for friends to meet, and a perfect setting for chef Shai Fargian. His YAFO Kitchen eateries entice guests to try an assortment of dishes made with fresh, yet authentic ingredients (Fargian has his spices shipped in from Tel Aviv). Joining Chef Shai is one of Charlotte’s most celebrated mixologists, Colleen Hughes. When she’s not winning competitions and racking up accolades, Hughes is the creative force behind the well-respected bar programs at Charlotte’s Haberdish and Supperland. Her contributions to her industry were acknowledged when she was elected to serve as a director of the US Bartenders Guild.   

Greenville Host: Drew Erickson, CAMP

Charlotte Chef: Alex Verica, PARA

Charlotte Bartender: Justin Hazelton, Leah & Louise

Since its opening night, CAMP established itself as a gathering spot for food and beverage enthusiasts looking for classic dishes reimagined with global flavors. Creativity abounds here, making it the perfect spot to host two of Charlotte’s most unique and imaginative professionals. Chef Alex Verica was part of a father-son team that earned two James Beard award nominations before opening his current concept PARA. Driven by Verica’s innovative vision, PARA serves up shareable plates inspired by flavors from Italy, Japan, and Korea. Joining him is Justin Hazelton, beverage director at the much-awarded Leah & Louise and at multiple new restaurants in development. Hazelton was named Best Mixologist in 2020 by Charlotte Magazine. He has earned a reputation for being a “liquid alchemist” thanks to his creative approach to classic, craft cocktails. 

Greenville Host: David Porras, Oak Hill Café & Farm

Charlotte Chef: Christa Csoka, The Artisan’s Palate

Charlotte Bartender: Yashira “Yoshi” Mejia, Super Yosh Cocktails

Even before its 2020 James Beard Awards nomination for Best New Restaurant, Oak Hill was wildly popular for its hyper-local, always-fresh approach to dishes (it is a working farm as well, after all). This is an ideal backdrop for chef Christa Csoka. Her classical training gave her a deep appreciation for fresh ingredients, raised with care. She is also committed to empowering women in the food and beverage industry, something she shares in common with featured bartender, Yashira “Yoshi” Mejia. Mejia has earned a reputation for a creative spin on classic cocktails and for her ongoing work to promote diversity and equity in her industry. In addition to delighting guests with her craft, Mejia enjoys teaching the bar craft to beverage enthusiasts.  

This unique dinner experience is brought to you via a partnership between the Local Palate magazine and Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority with support from Greenville’s premier food and wine festival, Euphoria. This is a rare chance to sample some of Charlotte’s finest—and learn what all the food and beverage buzz is about—without having to leave Greenville! Advance reservations are strongly recommended as space is limited. Visit savorcharlotte.com to learn more about Savor Charlotte event and Charlotte as an ever-evolving epicurean destination.