The Legacy of Ms. Lewis: A Tribute to Edna

“How did Southern food come into being? The early cooking of Southern food was primarily done by blacks, men and women. In the home, in hotels, in boardinghouses, on boats, on trains and at the White House. Cooking is hard and demanding. It was then, and it still is now.”

So begins Edna Lewis’ now iconic essay, What is Southern?, published in Gourmet magazine in 2008, two years after Edna had passed away. 

As American culture continues to examine how the issues of race, gender and class intersect with our foodways, the fascination surrounding Edna has only heightened, as evidenced by Edna Lewis: At the Table with an American Original, a book published by UNC Press in 2018 and edited by Sara B. Franklin. Ms. Lewis' life began on a Virginia farm in a settlement called Freetown in 1916. Only two generations removed from slavery, she journeyed to professional kitchens in New York, Washington, DC, Atlanta and, yes, Fearrington Village, where she introduced the chocolate soufflé to the dessert menu. 

Lewis' The Taste of Country Cooking taught us that Southern cooking is to be revered, not ridiculed. A social justice warrior, she generously mentored others, and yet the details about her life have been hard to come by – a fact at odds with her sizable impact. 

At this familial dinner featuring surprise cameos, chefs who consider Edna a mentor and a hero will honor her by preparing tribute dishes. We’ll also have a panel discussion, kicked off by award-winning author Toni Tipton-Martin, to unearth more stories about this trailblazing chef’s remarkable legacy. In addition to our outstanding chefs, Fullsteam Brewery will pour craft brews.  Confirmed talent for this event includes:

• Carla Hall, author of Carla Hall’s Soul Food: Everyday and Celebration


• Colin Bedford of The Fearrington House Restaurant in Pittsboro 


• Justin Burdett in Pittsboro


• Sean Fowler of Mandolin in Raleigh


• Walter Royal of Angus Barn in Raleigh


• Bill Smith Jr. of Crooks Corner in Chapel Hill


• Toni Tipton-Martin, author of The Jemima Code 

If you have food allergies, please contact us at 404-822-0276 before purchasing tickets. Tickets are non-refundable and we want to make sure you have plenty to eat if you plan to attend. If we feel we can accommodate you, we will let you know.