NC Chef And Artists Collaborate For Farm-To-Table Dinner

Food won't be the only handcrafted element of this upcoming dinner. According to the Asheville Citizen-Times, Chef Nate Allen of Spruce Pine, N.C.'s Knife & Fork is teaming up with local artists to create custom tableware for a special multicourse dinner meant to illustrate a broad 'earth-to-table' concept.

Known for its rich craft history, western North Carolina is home to many accomplished artists. The work of local ceramicists and glass artists – including Elisa Di Feo, Nick Moen, gwendolyn yoppolo, and Kathryn Adams – will be served at the July 1 event entitled "Cup & Plate at Knife & Fork."

"I went to the artists and talked to them about what I try to do with presentation on a plate and some of the constrictions I felt due to 9-in round white (platters)," said Allen when asked to describe his vision. "I want to make sure that the difference between how this animal or this vegetable spent its life until it got to this point is not in such complete, shocking contrast [to its plate]."

The restaurant told The Daily Meal that the menu is TBD since it depends on what produce is available that week. All things considered, Chef Allen anticipates serving golden oyster mushrooms, English peas, carrots, rabbit, housemade sausages, and the season's first sungolds (if lucky).

Allen (who has worked with Suzanne Goin at LA's Lucques) and Knife & Fork were also featured in our 21 Best-Kept Secret Restaurants story. For more information about the restaurant and event, visit the restaurant's website or check out the Facebook invite.