These 11 chefs and mixologists from the Wilmington area are in a statewide competition
One hundred chefs, pastry chefs and bartenders from across the state are participating in the 2023 NCRLA Chef Showdown. This year’s seventh annual competition is the largest to date.
Hosted by the N.C. Restaurant & Lodging Association, along with partners like Got To Be NC, the Showdown is meant to promote local talent and local ingredients. There are 76 chefs and pastry chefs cooking in the preliminary rounds, from May 8 to June 26. (This includes a coastal round at Carteret Community College Culinary School on May 22.) Regional rounds of the competition take place in July.
Also, 18 bartenders have teamed with a North Carolina distillery and will create two cocktails and a mocktail for a panel of judges. Six mixologists and 20 chefs will earn spots in the Grand Finale on Aug. 14 at The Pavilion at Angus Barn in Raleigh, when Chef of the Year, Pastry Chef of the Year, Bartender of the Year and Distillery of the Year will be named. Here is a look at those representing Southeastern North Carolina.
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Chefs and pastry chefs
Shawn Buskirk, Cheek & Belly Catering Company: This Surf City-based catering company offers chef-driven experiences for large groups and intimate gatherings.
Nicholas Chavez, King Neptune: The chef at a classic Wrightsville Beach has been reinventing the food there and shining in his selection of daily specials.
Ryan Duffy, The Boat Landing Restaurant: The executive chef and co-owner of this Sunset Beach restaurant is already receiving support from his fans.
Gerald Hawkins, Country Club of Landfall: This Wilmington chef took home the runner-up award in the pastry category last year.
Mauricio Huarcaya, The Green House Restaurant: This plant-based restaurant in Wilmington isn’t new to awards, with wins at competitions like the Taste of Wrightsville Beach, for example.
Tanner Price, Bluewater Waterfront Grill: This chef is representing one of two popular local LM Restaurants in Wrightsville Beach.
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Mixologists
Gustavo Bellavida, End of Days Distillery: This is a mixologist/distillery team from the lounge at this distillery in Wilmington’s Cargo District.
Joseph Brumm, Lumina Holiday Inn: Blue Shark Vodka’s Mark Bloomquist is a big proponent of this competition, and is working with four local bartenders, including this one from the recently renovated hotel resort in Wrightsville Beach.
Killian Marcellin, Kipos Hellenic Cuisine: Another team with Blue Shark Vodka, this one representing the Greek restaurant in Lumina Station that opened in last year.
Jason Nunes, Roko Italian Cuisine: Blue Shark, which took home the people’s choice award in last year’s competition, is also a frequent partner with this mixologist from this Mayfaire restaurant.
Richard Watson, Catch: A bartender behind the creative cocktails at the Wilmington restaurant from chef Keith Rhodes is also working with Blue Shark for the event.
Allison Ballard is the food and dining reporter at the StarNews. You can reach her at aballard@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: Wilmington chefs and bartenders competing in NCRLA Chef Showdown
