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Staff members of The Prime Smokehouse serve food to people Thursday night during the Tar River Chefs Showcase in the Brown Auditorium at Nash Community College.

A couple survey some of the culinary offerings Thursday night during the Tar River Chefs Showcase in the Brown Auditorium at Nash Community College.

Staff members of The Prime Smokehouse serve food to people Thursday night during the Tar River Chefs Showcase in the Brown Auditorium at Nash Community College.

A couple survey some of the culinary offerings Thursday night during the Tar River Chefs Showcase in the Brown Auditorium at Nash Community College.

Food-tasting, friendship and fundraising filled Brown Auditorium on Thursday night for the Tar River Chefs Showcase at Nash Community College.

Designed to benefit the United Way Tar River Region, the event featured tasting tables from restaurants and breweries in Nash and Edgecombe counties after a live auction of locally produced artwork.

With the hallways and auditorium decorated with sunflowers in a Tuscan theme and table centerpieces showcasing fresh fruit, flowers and produce from local farmers, more than 200 people wined and dined while sampling haute cuisine from The Prime Smokehouse, Benvenue Country Club, Barley and Burger, D Chill Spot, Books and Beans, Rocky Top Catering, Tap @ 1918 and Lou Reda’s: An American Table.

Brewers TBC West, Crystal Coast Brewing, Mythic Brewing and SpaceWay offered sample cups of various beers to round out the tasting event.

“We hope to raise $30,000,” said Ginny Mohrbutter, executive director of the United Way Tar River Region, who added it is the third year for the Tar River Chefs Showcase, the nonprofit organization’s signature special event fundraiser.

Mohrbutter said the money raised would be funneled into the United Way’s Community Impact Fund, which supplies funding to 35 local health and human service programs for education, health or income and self-sufficiency.

“We’re excited to be a part of this and we’re honored to be here,” said Chef Zabdiel Dewar of D Chill Spot, a Jamaican restaurant at 207 E. Thomas St. in downtown Rocky Mount.

Dewar, serving up samples of jerk chicken and curry chicken with plantains, said he was pleased to be able to showcase Jamaican culture and cuisine. When asked what he thought his chances were of winning the people’s choice for Top Chef, Dewar smiled and said it didn’t matter because he already felt like a winner.

Also participating for the first year was Chef Spencer Carter, culinary director at Rocky Top Catering. One of Carter’s offerings was smoked crawfish with andouille sausage, which he said surprised people with its savory taste.

“We’re doing exclusive catering for Rose Hill Estate and we’re also out at the Power House locally,” Carter said. “This is a great opportunity for us to let the community know we’re here.”

Ken Anderson, executive director of local manufacturing at Cummins Rocky Mount Engine Plant, one of the event sponsors, said he and his wife Susan were there to support the community.

“We love the Rocky Mount community,” Anderson said. “Part of what I enjoy is that we get to interact with other like-minded people. Collectively, what we’re doing is making a difference in the community where we live.”

Dottie and Mike Hudyma of Rocky Mount said this was their second time attending the event.

“The United Way is a good cause, and this is a great way to come try out food from local restaurants,” Dottie Hudyma said. “Why not come to donate and enjoy a lot of good food at the same time?”

“It’s a great time to convene generous and giving people to celebrate our amazing culinary treasures and local craft breweries,” she said, “all with the end goal to help strengthen our community through United Way.”

At the end of the evening, Chef Ed Wiley of The Prime Smokehouse, who wowed the crowd with his signature beef brisket and several mouth-watering side dishes, was declared for the second year in a row the Top Chef. TBC West was chosen as the Top Brewery.

The United Way Tar River Region, in conjunction with 24 nonprofit partners, more than 300 volunteers and over 6,000 donors, has been able to help improve the quality of life for 75,000 people each year in Nash and Edgecombe counties.

The Tar River Chefs Showcase to benefit the United Way of the Tar River Region was held July 21 in the Brown Auditorium at Nash Community College.

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