The Cookery to Host A Culinary Spectacle for all Ages

Regardless of whether you are a fan of food in general, certain chefs, or the food truck movement that is directing a lot of attention toward Durham, there is something going on there to satisfy every taste.  In a few weeks, yet another bright spot will emerge on the landscape in the place where great things happen.

Triangle residents can eat sausages made by WUNC’s The State of Things host, Frank Stasio, sample vegan sausages prepared by Rue Cler’s award winning chef, Aaron Benjamin, or consume any variety of fare from The Cookery’s popular food truck members, all in the name of charity on Saturday, September 15th from noon to 3:00 pm. The celebration of culinary talent will take place in the Front Room, a new event space in The Cookery on West Chapel Hill Street, benefiting the Durham Crisis Response Center’s emergency shelter which provides a safe environment for women and children fleeing violent and dangerous situations.

“We are thrilled that the culinary community of the Triangle area has rallied to show their support for this fundraiser,” said Rochelle Johnson, who co-owns The Cookery with her husband, Nick Hawthorne-Johnson. “The funds raised through our food sales during the event will go directly toward the kitchen remodel at the shelter, which will improve the lives of countless families on a daily basis.”

Food truck favorites at the benefit will include Chirba Chirba Dumpling, Monuts Donuts, The Parlour, Pie Pushers, Sympathy for the Deli, and Triangle Raw Foods.  Each of them are members of The Cookery, where they take advantage of the innovative concept of sharing a state-of-the-art kitchen for chefs to prepare and share their creations with the public. In addition, many celebrated chefs in the foodie-centric Triangle have committed to participating in the event, as well as special musical guest Justin Robinson and the Mary Annettes. To add to the afternoon, a free wine tasting will be hosted by The Clever Vine, and beer tastings will be led by local brewers Bull City Burger and Brewery, Fullsteam, Lonerider Brewing Company, and Triangle Brewing Company.

“We are so excited to expand upon this building’s food-focused history,” said Johnson.  What once was the Durham Food Co-op building has transformed into an elegant event space featuring exposed brick walls, distinctive metalwork salvaged from historic Durham landmarks, and a ceiling stretching 20 feet high. 

The fundraiser will serve as the unveiling of The Cookery’s Front Room, which will serve as a space for The Cookery to host a series of pop-up restaurants, specialty food events, Culinary Workshops, and wine and beer dinners, as well as private dinners and receptions.  The space accommodates up to 200 people, and includes a mezzanine and outdoor patio, a full bar with local NC beers on tap and audio/visual equipment.  In addition, the Front Room’s access to The Cookery’s kitchen facility will equip chefs and caterers with a commercial kitchen and bakery facility to expand upon their culinary repertoire to design unprecedented events.

Learn more about all of Durham's great food options online.