Apple and pear bun from Jamie Turner. Photo courtesy of Largemouth Communications

The North Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association (NCRLA) announced the winners of the fourth annual NCRLA Chef Showdown on Monday, September 30. Jamie Turner, pastry chef of Earl’s Grocery and Soul Food Sessions, won the title NCRLA Pastry Chef of the Year. 

After three rounds (preliminary, regional, and final showdown) and competing against four other pastry chefs in the final round, Jamie Turner won for her apple and pear brown butter bun, sweet corn ice-cream, white chocolate popcorn crumble, and pickled apples. Turner is the second pastry chef from Charlotte to win Pastry Chef of the Year, last year Miranda Brown of The Asbury won. 

For the first time this year the competition included five preliminary rounds held statewide, followed by two regional rounds, then the final showdown. A total of 42 savory and pastry chefs competed this year in the showdown. Steven Goff of AUX Bar in Asheville won NCRLA Chef of the Year, Johnny Burritt of Apothecary Beverage Company in Asheville won NCRLA Mixologist of the Year, and Cory Haigler from The Westin Charlotte won People’s Choice Savory Chef of the Year. –Justin Burke-Samson