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The Dairy Alliance, a nonprofit funded by dairy farm families in the Southeast, is proud to share the winners of its 2024 Undeniably Dairy Awards for the North Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association’s (NCRLA) Chef Showdown. Sponsored by The Dairy Alliance, these awards recognize chefs and bartenders who best showcase North Carolina dairy products in their savory dishes, desserts, cocktails, and mocktails. Now in its eighth season, the NCRLA Chef Showdown is North Carolina's premier culinary and mixology competition, showcasing the exceptional talent of North Carolina chefs and mixologists.
Presented by Got To Be NC, the NC Department of Agriculture, the event highlights the state's finest ingredients, challenging competitors to create standout dishes and craft cocktails using local produce and proteins from North Carolina farmers and producers. The Dairy Alliance has been a longtime supporter of NCRLA, championing the incorporation of dairy from North Carolina farmers in the creations of culinary chefs across the state.
“We are honored to recognize the remarkable achievements of North Carolina’s culinary talent through the 2024 Undeniably Dairy Awards. The Dairy Alliance's unwavering commitment to being an advocate for dairy farmers and real dairy is evident in the exceptional dishes and cocktails that celebrate the essence of North Carolina’s rich dairy heritage,” said Geri Berdak, Chief Executive Officer of The Dairy Alliance. “Congratulations to the winners for their extraordinary contributions this year and for showcasing the superior quality and versatility of our state’s real dairy products.”
The 2024 Undeniably Dairy winners implementing the best use of dairy include:
- Best Savory Plate: Theresa Norris of M Pocha in Durham
- Winning Dish: Blackened NC Shrimp, Pimento Cheese / Milk Bread Pudding, Corn Shrimp Velouté and Chow-Chow
- Best Dessert: Chef Mary Jayne Wilson of Thoughtful Baking Company in Charlotte
- Winning Dish: Summer Charlotte, a Light and airy take on a classic with the bold Got To Be NC flavors of Summer Berries, Buttermilk Sponge Cake, Raspberry Mousse, Blueberry Marmalade, Buttermilk Mousse, Pecan Crumb and Blueberry Sauce.
- Best Cocktail and Mocktail: Conley Marie of The Willard in Raleigh and Jonathan Blitz of Mystic Farm and Distillery in Durham
- Winning Mocktail: "Creature Comforts,” tastes like a Key Lime Pie with Whole Milk-Soaked Graham Crackers; Lime Juice; Lime Zest; Orange Zest Water; Whole Milk Vanilla Yogurt; Simple Syrup; Sweetened Condensed Milk and Evaporated Oat Milk.
- Winning Cocktail: "Nostalgia,” made with Homemade Ice Cream made of Mystic Arcana Bourbon, Sugar, Whole Buttermilk, Whole Milk, Heavy Cream, Vanilla, Maple Syrup, Coffee Simple Syrup, and Salt. Drizzled with a Montenegro Dark Chocolate Sauce.
The NCRLA Chef Showdown Grand Finale will take place on Monday, August 26, 2024, at Bay 7 at the American Tobacco Campus in Durham. To learn more about the event, visit https://www.ncrla.org/ncrla-events/2024-ncrla-chef-showdown/.
For more information about The Dairy Alliance, visit https://thedairyalliance.com or follow them on Facebook or Instagram @TheDairyAlliance.
About The Dairy Alliance
The Dairy Alliance is a nonprofit funded by dairy farm families of the Southeast. We work diligently with dairy farmers, schools, sports teams, health professionals, local organizations, state leaders, the media, and the public to promote dairy foods and knowledge about the dairy industry. Our efforts center in eight states: Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia.
About NCRLA
The North Carolina Restaurant & Lodging Association (NCRLA) NCRLA is the driving force behind the state’s $30 billion hospitality industry. The mission is to Protect, Educate, and Promote the North Carolina hospitality industry. To learn more information about NCRLA or its membership opportunities and cost-saving benefits, please visit www.ncrla.org.
