Imagine a three-day celebration of the finest foods available anywhere, presented by the region’s most renowned chefs. Mix in culinary workshops, tastings and a good cause, and you’re imagining TerraVITA.
This third annual event is a unique showcase of high-quality, sustainably-produced foods and beverages, set against the backdrop of North Carolina ingredients. Featuring four events scheduled over three days, TerraVITA presents top chefs, producers and industry experts, in a fest which this year benefits the Carrboro Farmer’s Market.
TerraVITA, set for Nov. 1-3 in Chapel Hill, boasts the Grand Tasting on the Green as its headliner event, on Saturday, Nov. 3. Organizers say they expect between 600 and 850 people to attend.
Bringing together some of the best sustainably produced wines, microbrews, coffees and spirits, the Grand Tasting offers these beverages side-by-side with culinary tastings by James Beard-nominated chefs, artisan chocolatiers, charcuteries and cheese makers from across the state.
Cary-area participants in the Grand Tasting on the Green include Herons Restaurant; Lucky 32 Southern Kitchen; Little Hen Restaurant; The Chef’s Academy; and SIP … A Wine Store.
The TerraVITA festival weekend also includes the Chefs’ Harvest Potluck, The Sustainable Classroom, and The Carolina Table: East Meets West Dinner.
Chefs’ Harvest Potluck, set for Thursday, Nov. 1, will feature dishes from 20 top chefs in the Triangle who regularly use the Carrboro Farmers’ Market as a resource for their ingredients.
All proceeds of TerraVITA ticket sales will go to the Carrboro Farmers’ Market for physical improvements to its current location.
Sarah Blacklin, market manager, said, “We are excited to partner with TerraVITA and raise money to improve the market’s physical grounds to better serve our farmers and our community. We also are looking forward to hosting this great experience for our farmers and community to celebrate local food together. It will showcase the talent of chefs right here in the Triangle, and lay the groundwork for future fundraising efforts.”
On Friday, Nov. 2, TerraVITA will host the Sustainable Classroom, offering culinary workshops, tastings, and beverage and food demonstrations with experts and aficionados.
Guests can choose among eight sessions to attend four sessions throughout the day.
On Friday evening, TerraVITA hosts an event new to the fest this year, called The Carolina Table: East Meets West Dinner.
What began as an exclusive “thank you” event for sponsors will now open to the public, showcasing three chefs — one each from eastern and western North Carolina, and from the Triangle.
This year, the chefs are James Beard-nominee Vivian Howard from Chef and The Farmer in Kinston; Cassie Parsons from Harvest Moon Grille in Charlotte; and Adam Rose from Il Palio of Chapel Hill. Together, they will prepare a six-course meal centered on local ingredients.
For tickets and more information about TerraVITA, including a full listing of speakers and session descriptions, visit www.TerraVITAevent.com.
Bon appétit!
