Savanna Brodar, Executive Pastry Chef of The Country Club of North Carolina in Pinehurst, N.C., recently won the North Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association’s (NCRLA) Pastry Chef of the Year at the Chef Showdown.
“I have been involved in the NCRLA Chef Showdown for four years now,” says Brodar. “Each year presents an incredible chance to challenge my skills and knowledge in plated desserts while encouraging me to think creatively. I feel honored that my dedication has yielded results this year, and I take great pride in representing CCNC and honoring the memory of my beloved granny in this journey.”
The eighth annual event, presented by Got To Be NC, celebrates the most talented professionals in culinary and mixology, according to the NCRLA website, and serves guests “an array of sweet and savory bites, cocktails and mocktails crafted from a host of local ingredients.”
The grand finale showcased 15 chefs, five pastry chefs, and six bartender and distillery teams and offered their finest creations to more than 500 attendees. Guests could vote for their favorite dishes and drinks, determining the People’s Choice award winners across several categories.
“We are so proud and excited to see Chef Brodar recognized for her incredible talents,” says CCNC COO/GM Jim Sutton. “This award is a big deal and I know it means a lot to her. As CCNC’s Executive Pastry Chef, Savanna provides our Members (and staff) with an ever-changing assortment of delicious and creative desserts, as well as fresh breads and savory items. Having a quality, in-house pastry program has elevated our culinary offering to a level that few Clubs achieve. We have something really special here in Pinehurst and we’re honored to have an award-winning team.”
The Chef Showdown competition began in March, featuring 84 contestants. Contestants competed in 11 preliminary and semifinal rounds across the state. Chefs and mixologists were judged by industry experts on presentation, taste and the use of local North Carolina ingredients. Together, through the dozen rounds of competition including the Chef Showdown Grand Finale, the 2024 chefs and mixologists supported over 500 North Carolina farmers and producers using their ingredients more than 650 different times. As part of the grand finale, attendees enjoyed a special wine-tasting featuring award-winning wines from the 2024 NC Wine Competition, hosted by the NC Wine and Grape Council. Each wine was paired with the evening’s tasting plates, showcasing North Carolina’s vibrant wine industry.
In addition to their titles, this year’s winners join the 2024-2025 Got to Be NC team of culinary and beverage ambassadors, furthering their role in promoting North Carolina’s rich gastronomic and agricultural heritage.
