Brown In The South is a series of collaborative dinners exploring identity and belonging featuring Vishwesh Bhatt, Maneet Chauhan, Asha Gomez, Cheetie Kumar, and Meherwan Irani, all acclaimed chefs of Indian descent who have made the American South their home.
The very first installment of the Brown in the South Supper Series, Desi Diner, was held at Chai Pani Decatur in early 2018 and the second dinner, An Indian Supper, was held at Chauhan Ale & Masala House in Nashville in August 2018.
We've vowed to continue these dinners all over the Southeast.
Please join us March 24th at Garland and Kings in Raleigh for Brown in the South, Vol III.
"At my table, I dine with white Atlanta farmers, a Kentuckian chef of Sri Lankan descent, a reporter of Indian heritage, and Southern-born African Americans who work in publishing and academia. This is the version of the South that I’ve wanted to be a part of since settling here, and to be truthful, the one I’ve found to be most elusive. The discrete parts have long been present, but don’t always engage in the same space at the same time and under such joyous circumstances. The South these self-described “brown” chefs celebrate by their thematic collaboration wouldn’t exist if they didn’t stake a claim in it. I am obsessed with one question all night: Why haven’t I experienced this before?"
10 food stalls, 10 chefs. Join us for a very special celebration of food and colour featuring all your favorite Indian chefs. You'll get to chow down on delicious bites from the five OG Brown in the South chefs, plus bites from five very special guest chefs. Each chef will have their very own booth, where they'll be handing out yummy treats, hugs, and high fives. The event will be be in both Garland and Kings, so you'll be able to walk back and forth between the venues (same building, one's upstairs, one's downstairs) and have a grand ol' time.
$55 @ Garland and Kings - includes food and a drink ticket
This ticket is an add-on ticket to the Holi Celebration. Tickets to the Holi celebration must be purchased to have entrance to the Chai and Chat Q&A. Please email mollymilroy@chaipani.net with any questions.
Join us for a Q&A before the Holi Celebration with the five original Brown in the South chefs Maneet Chauhan (Nashville), Asha Gomez (Atlanta), Cheetie Kumar (Raleigh) and Vishwesh Bhatt (Oxford, Miss.) and Meherwan Irani (Asheville). Moderated by John T. Edge, Director of the Southern Foodways Alliance.
$25 @ Neptunes - includes light snacks and chai
"My hope is that this is an annual series showcasing how brown immigrants, both first generation and second generation, are bringing their culinary traditions to cooking in the South," he continued. "Call me an idealist, but I’m trying to start a movement where everyday conversations about Southern cuisine are broader and deeper than the familiar tropes." - Food & Wine, Meherwan Irani
The Southern Foodways Alliance documents, studies, and explores the diverse food cultures of the changing American South. Their work sets a welcome table where all may consider our history and our future in a spirit of respect and reconciliation.
A member-supported organization based at the University of Mississippi’s Center for the Study of Southern Culture, the SFA collects oral histories, produces films and podcasts, publishes great writing, sponsors scholarships, mentors students, and stages events that serve as progressive and inclusive catalysts for the greater South.
We are honored to be a part of this amazing event that promotes exploring identity and inclusion. Nestled in the heart of the entertainment district, the Hampton Inn and Suites Downtown Raleigh is walking distance to some of the most popular bars and restaurants in Raleigh. Come join us for this exciting culinary experience that will benefit Southern Foodways Alliance.
-Hampton Inn & Suites Raleigh Downtown