Two Counter- Chefs Named Unpretentious Palate's 2023 People of the Year
On Monday, November 13, two Counter- chefs were named among Unpretentious Palate’s 2023 People of the Year at The UPPY Awards. Winners were announced live at the event which took place at Middle C Jazz in Uptown Charlotte.
Pastry Chef of Counter-, Faith Morley, was awarded the 2023 Pastry Chef of the Year for her root vegetable tart that was part of Counter-’s Here & Now menu showcasing the bounty of local produce. “If food were a love language, Faith Morley’s root vegetable tart would embody it. From the tart’s stunning ombré visuals to the crust that crumbled delicately in your mouth, the dish showed a dedication to craft in flavor, storytelling, and sheer work hours. It’s that dedication that makes Morley among the best in town.”
Executive Chef and Owner of Counter-, Sam Hart, was honored with the 2023 Chef of the Year for their work to advocate for change within the restaurant industry. “Another year, another step closer to Charlotte earning its first James Beard Award, with Sam Hart of Counter- becoming the second local chef to make it to the Finalist round. Yet instead of viewing the honor as an indication of their success as a chef, Hart has used the opportunity as an expanded platform to advocate for change. That change touches a wide spectrum of the restaurant industry, from a living wage for all to preventing soil depletion and never putting customers above the wellbeing of staff.”
View the full list of winners at Unpretentious Palate’s website.