In a powerful show of solidarity, more than 20 New Orleans chefs and restaurant owners came together for the Cooks for Carolina dinner series, raising critical funds to support Asheville, North Carolina’s independent restaurants in the wake of Hurricane Helene, which hit that area on Sept. 27.
Beginning Nov. 6 and continuing through the holidays, restaurants across New Orleans hosted uniquely curated dinners, with 100% of proceeds donated to the Always Asheville Fund.
New Orleans chefs were joined by several Asheville chefs, who shared emotional stories of devastation and determination. Chef Jacob Sessoms, founder and chef-partner at Perfectly Ad Hoc Hospitality Group in Asheville, N.C., said, “First and foremost, I want to express our deep gratitude to all of the New Orleans chefs and restaurateurs for their interest in helping us. We know they understand our situation better than anyone, and it’s no surprise how quickly they jumped to our aid; it’s part of what makes New Orleans so special.”
The dinner showcased in the photos was at Lilette on Nov. 17 and featured Lilette’s Chef John Harris with Asheville Chefs Jacob Sessoms and Trevor Payne. Other locations for dinners included Audubon Clubhouse, Brasa, Cochon at Calcasieu, Commander’s Palace, The Wine Bar at Emeril’s, Galatoire’s, La Boca, La Petite Grocery, Mister Mao, Paradigm Gardens and Rosedale. Featured chefs included Wilfredo Avelar, Meg Bickford, Aaron Burgau, Geordie Brower, Edgar Caro, Justin Devillier, Adolfo Garcia, Michael Gulotta, John Harris, EJ Lagasse, Donald Link, Phillip Lopez, Rob Mistry, Ian Mitchell, Brett Monteleone, Alfredo Nogueira, Ryan Prewitt, Tony Rodrigue, Maggie Scales, Jimi Setchim, Susan Spicer, Michael Stoltzfus, Stephen Stryjewski, Bryn Thompson, Sophina Uong and Ashwin Vilkhu. Among the visiting chefs from Asheville were Peyton Barrell, Matt Dawes, Trevor Payne and Jacob Sessoms.
Fun Fact: At the Cochon at Calcasieu (Nov. 19) dinner, a couple from Asheville — wearing Asheville sweatshirts — flew in just to attend the event. They weren’t the only North Carolina residents to come to New Orleans for these dinners!
