April 8-12, 2026

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Meet The Chefs!

Meet the Chefs for this year's Chefs' Showcase!

We are excited for another year of the Chefs’ Showcase, and this year promises to be extraordinary! The Chefs’ Showcase is a seated culinary adventure consisting of a 5-course meal with fine wine pairings, light entertainment, high-end silent auction items, and a luxury vacation raffle. Notable chefs from our region (and beyond!) work together to prepare the dishes.

 

Chef Nathan Sims has spent 27 years honing his craft in the kitchen. An honors graduate of The School of Culinary Arts in Houston, Chef Sims is the Executive Chef for the Hotel Ballast and the Host Chef for the event. What excites him most about the kitchen is that no two days are the same!
Chef Vic Curinga, originally from Syracuse, NY, developed a love for cooking with his grandmother. After moving to North Carolina, he became Executive Chef at Oceanic in 2024, focusing on sustainable, locally sourced coastal cuisine. Vic is active in the community and has earned awards at local culinary events.
Chef Jordan Keen, with over 20 years of experience, began cooking as a child to care for his siblings. Trained in French, Italian, and Asian cuisines, he’s earned awards and media recognition. Now based in Wilmington, NC, Keen combines classical techniques with fresh, innovative flavors.
Chef Felix, inspired by his mother’s Nigerian restaurant, opened the African Caribbean Market in Wilmington and Eke's African Kitchen, serving lunch on weekends. He’s excited to showcase authentic African cuisine at this year’s Chefs' Showcase.
Madelyn started baking at a young age and turned her passion into a business at 15. After studying Pastry Arts in France and interning at Le Beau Rivage Hôtel, she worked at Sweets and Seats in Asheville. She’s now the Pastry Chef at The Commodore Club in Wrightsville Beach, NC.
Chef Chris Andrews, with 25 years of experience, blends French, Latin, African, and global flavors. Trained with Chef Ernest Belmore, he creates dishes inspired by Cuba, West Africa, and France. He also founded "Iron Sharpens Iron," a line of barbecue sauces, and collaborates with his wife, a pastry chef and coffee roaster, to offer a complete dining experience.
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OFFICE HOURS: M-F 9:00AM – 5:00PM

910.794.4650

info@ncazaleafestival.org

5725 Oleander Drive, Unit B7
Wilmington, NC 28403
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