The Dairy Alliance, a nonprofit funded by dairy farm families in the Southeast, recently recognized the winners of the 2026 North Carolina Restaurant & Lodging Association (NCRLA) Chef Showdown. The tenth season of the competition, held in Durham, North Carolina, brought together top chefs, pastry chefs, mixologists, and distilleries to compete for prestigious titles including Chef of the Year, Pastry Chef of the Year, Mixologist & Distillery of the Year, and Best Mocktail of the Year. The Dairy Alliance also presented its Dairy Does More Awards to those who most creatively incorporated local dairy into their creations, highlighting the versatility and quality of North Carolina dairy.
The Dairy Does More Awards were presented during the Chef Showdown Grand Finale at Bay 7 in Durham, with Farrah Newberry, CEO of The Dairy Alliance, in attendance. The winners demonstrated that dairy can elevate both sweet and savory dishes as well as beverages. Chef Matt Hannon of Ashten's in Southern Pines earned Best Savory Dish for his lamb barbacoa with summer bean salad, whipped burrata, and purple honey. The whipped burrata added a rich, creamy element that complemented the bold flavors of the lamb and seasonal ingredients. Pastry Chef Makala Beaver of King Neptune in Wrightsville Beach won Best Dessert for her Southern-inspired tiramisu featuring a rum-soaked cornmeal ladyfinger, peach butter, and sorghum mascarpone. The mascarpone brought creamy richness to the dessert while helping Beaver put a distinctly Southern spin on a classic Italian favorite. Beaver's win was also a memorable moment, as she delivered an emotional acceptance speech following the award.
Mixologist Zach Benson of Outer Banks Distilling in Manteo earned Best Cocktail for his Dairy Does More creation, which showcased how dairy can extend beyond traditional culinary applications into creative beverage development. His recognition highlighted the role dairy can play in creating distinctive flavors and textures in craft cocktails. Benson's cocktail was also named the 2026 People's Choice Favorite alongside Outer Banks Distilling. Mixologist Ashley Sarkis of Yunta Nikkei in Charlotte earned Best Mocktail for Sweet Carolina, incorporating cream from Wholesome Country Creamery into a cardamom-sugar whipped cream topping. The use of dairy added texture, flavor, and visual appeal to the spirit-free beverage, showcasing an unexpected way to incorporate North Carolina dairy into a crafted drink. Sarkis' Dairy Does More Spirit-Free Cocktail also helped her clinch the 2026 NCRLA Mixologist of the Year Championship.
The recognition underscores the importance of dairy in driving culinary innovation. By celebrating these professionals, The Dairy Alliance promotes the quality and versatility of North Carolina dairy, encouraging chefs and mixologists to experiment with flavor, texture, and presentation. This matters because it not only supports the local dairy industry but also enriches the state's hospitality sector, which contributes significantly to the economy. A complete list of finalists and their competition dishes, desserts, and drinks is available at NCChefShowdown.com. To learn more about The Dairy Alliance, visit https://thedairyalliance.com or follow @TheDairyAlliance on Facebook or Instagram.
