QC Metro - Charleston Wine + Food Festival

This year's celebration is expected to draw more than 270 chefs and culinary stars. For example, one will find Charlotte-based chef Reyana Radcliff of Your Braisen Chef in the Culinary Village, a cornerstone of the festival, where attendees will enjoy bites and plates, have the chance to sip rosé and find new favorite beverages, with live music and a silent disco. 

QCity Metro spoke with Radcliff and other Charlotte-area chefs participating about what they have planned for the event.

Reyaña Radcliff of Your Braisen Chef

QCM: Tell us about your career journey. How did you become a chef? 

RR: My interest in cooking came at a young age, like 4 or 5, being in the kitchen making scrambled eggs or little things I was allowed to help with. My curiosity continued as a teen, learning basic techniques the New Orleans way with my grandmother, like making roux and gumbo and other traditional Creole dishes. 

Then, in 2003, I started attending Johnson & Wales at the Norfolk campus.  Since then, I have worked all stations on the line: hotels, country clubs, resorts, and corporate dining. 

I started Your Braisen Chef in 2021. I love being a part of the local farmers market community, teaching kids in school about sustainability and North Carolina agriculture, and getting invited to cook at food and wine festivals!

QCM: What will you create for Charleston Wine + Food?

RR: I haven´t disclosed the dish to CW+F yet, but I can say that my dish represents the Carolinas' homegrown agriculture!

QCM: What are you looking forward to about CW+F?

RR:  I am looking forward to being a part of a larger culinary & beverage community at CW+F! The community here in Charlotte is phenomenal, with industry folks supporting each other and always showing respect to each other, and I can't wait to do the same in Charleston. I will probably be entranced by all the glorious smells filling the air!

QCM: What does participating in CW+F mean to you?

RR: The CW+F means that I can represent Charlotte well with my craft while being a part of Charleston´s rich culture.  I am excited to join fellow Charlotte chefs at a festival known for quality food, food education, and amazing beverage creations.