Chefs Against Cancer
2023
The first FORK Cancer event in 2023 marked the beginning of what has now grown into Chefs Against Cancer. Hosted at the UNC Charlotte Marriott Hotel & Convention Center, the evening featured an incredible chef-driven menu, beginning with hors d’oeuvres by Chef Chris Aquilino, including artisan cured meats and cheeses, crudité cups, and smoked Forever Oceans Kanpachi rillettes.
Chef Jon and Chef Amy Fortes of The Flipside Cafe prepared stracciatella toast with avocado purée, n’duja, pistachio-basil crunch, and orange honey, followed by a fish course from Chef Andres Prussing and Chef Mark Allison featuring poached Forever Oceans Kanpachi with lobster mousse, lemon emulsion, chive oil, potato mille-feuille, and seasonal vegetables. Chef Sam Diminich prepared the main course, a braised beef short rib tagine with almonds, South Carolina peaches, basmati rice, and charmoula. Executive Pastry Chef Samantha Allen of Wentworth & Fenn closed the dinner with a honey-plum macaron, toasted black sesame diplomat, cantaloupe gel, and pink Himalayan salt. Chef Roshni Gurnani also created vegetarian selections, including beet carpaccio, mushroom fish and chips, and masala grilled cauliflower.
Thanks to Chef Mark Allison’s vision and dedication, along with board members who helped fill the room and secure amazing silent auction items, the first event was a tremendous success and raised significant support for the charities involved.
