NCRLA Chef Showdown
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Get ready for a one-of-a-kind culinary experience at the 2026 NCRLA Chef Showdown Grand Finale, taking place Wednesday, September 2, at Bay 7 in Durham. Presented by Got To Be NC, this high-energy evening brings together the best of North Carolina’s food and beverage scene in a spirited competition that’s as delicious as it is dynamic.
Throughout the evening, guests will move from station to station sampling an impressive array of chef-curated dishes, handcrafted desserts, signature cocktails, innovative mocktails, and locally made spirits. Each tasting is crafted by one of the finalists vying for the prestigious titles of:
NCRLA Chef of the Year
NCRLA Pastry Chef of the Year
NCRLA Mixologist of the Year
NCRLA Distillery of the Year
NCRLA Mocktail of the Year
In addition to enjoying thoughtfully plated bites and beverages, guests will have the opportunity to cast their votes in the People’s Choice Awards, powered by Sysco. This interactive component puts the power in attendees' hands to help crown crowd favorites.
Set against the industrial charm of Bay 7, the Grand Finale is more than a tasting—it’s a celebration of North Carolina’s culinary talent, agricultural bounty, and hospitality excellence.
Tickets are $150 per person, which includes access to all chef, pastry, mixology, distillery, mocktail, and wine tasting stations.
Learn more and get tickets at ncchefshowdown.com.
Throughout the evening, guests will move from station to station sampling an impressive array of chef-curated dishes, handcrafted desserts, signature cocktails, innovative mocktails, and locally made spirits. Each tasting is crafted by one of the finalists vying for the prestigious titles of:
NCRLA Chef of the Year
NCRLA Pastry Chef of the Year
NCRLA Mixologist of the Year
NCRLA Distillery of the Year
NCRLA Mocktail of the Year
In addition to enjoying thoughtfully plated bites and beverages, guests will have the opportunity to cast their votes in the People’s Choice Awards, powered by Sysco. This interactive component puts the power in attendees' hands to help crown crowd favorites.
Set against the industrial charm of Bay 7, the Grand Finale is more than a tasting—it’s a celebration of North Carolina’s culinary talent, agricultural bounty, and hospitality excellence.
Tickets are $150 per person, which includes access to all chef, pastry, mixology, distillery, mocktail, and wine tasting stations.
Learn more and get tickets at ncchefshowdown.com.
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Where is it happening?
Bay 7 at American Tobacco Historic District, 334 Blackwell St, Durham, NC 27701-2394, United States
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
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Host or PublisherNorth Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association
