by TM Petaccia

In many ways, chef Greg Collier’s Meet the Chef dinner reflected his own personal Wizard of Oz. He had to leave home to learn home is where he ought to be, both literally and culinarily. “I’m from the South, and I felt I had to get over the stigma that comes from being a black person born and raising the South,” Collier told the attendees. “I felt I had to get away from the South. I got to get away from these ingredients. I got to get away from everything that, what I found out later, really empowers me. So now we are always looking to the South and being as Southern as possible.”

Last night, guests were treated to a remarkable overview of his new concept, 3rd & Fernwood, located at The Metropolitan in Midtown. The restaurant is an homage to the traditional Southern meat-and-three, with dishes, while based on personal family favorites and Southern staples, were executed with the creativity and skill of a multiple James Beard nominee. Below is a small excerpt of the food and fun guests enjoyed.

Thank you to our sponsor, Vulcan Equipment, for its continuing support of local chefs and farmers. Our next Meet the Chef event will be Monday, September 16 with Built-on-Hospitality partner and chef Chris Coleman at Uptown’s Haymaker. UP members-only advance tickets are on sale now through September 3, with general public sales to follow (should any tickets remain). Not yet a paid UP subscriber? Sign up today for exclusive early access to our events as well as our ongoing independent food journalism.