Kick-Off Panel: Culinary Capital and Building Comm

TerraVita has assembled a unique panel of industry luminaries to share their stories and causes. Using a combination of TedX style and the visually stimulating format of Pecha Kucha, we will capture the energy of each panelist in an engaging way. Moderated by The Monti founder Jeff Polish, TerraVita expands upon its signature education series by kicking off the festival weekend with a featured discussion honoring those who use their culinary influence and capital to do good in our community. The Kick-Off Event takes place on October 8 at the historic Varsity Theater on Franklin Street in Chapel Hill, and the theme of this year's opening event is Culinary Capital & Building Community. The cast for this event includes industry luminaries, from across the region:

• Ashley Christensen, Chef & Owner, AC Restaurants


• Margaret Gifford, Food Advocate


• Henry Hargreaves, Photographer


• Kat Kinsman, Editor, Tasting Table


• Virginia Willis, Chef & Author


• Mike Moore, Chef & Owner, The Blind Pig


• Jeff Polish (moderator), The Monti

Of course there will be a few light snacks and beverages to taste, and we are glad to have Raleigh representing! Jenny Bonchak with Slingshot Coffee will offer unique beverages (beyond the bean) and there will be light edibles from Angela Salamanca of Centro and Cheetie Kumar of Garland. Tasty and interesting!