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Five-night seafood dinner series to benefit NC Catch

From The Hackney

WASHINGTON, NC – The Hackney, the acclaimed restaurant in historic Washington, North Carolina, is thrilled to announce, “The Hackney Passion”, an exclusive five-night dinner series showcasing the exceptional talent of some of North Carolina’s leading chefs and the unparalleled bounty of the State’s seafood. Hosted by The Hackney Restaurant Team of James Beard Foundation Award Finalist Best Chef in the Southeast, Executive Chef Jamie Davis and Owner and Restaurant Manager, Susanne Hackney, this extraordinary event will run from May 27 – May 31.

Each evening will feature a dynamic culinary collaboration, with two or three of North Carolina’s most esteemed chefs taking over The Hackney’s kitchen to craft delicious canapes and an exquisite five-course tasting menu. These culinary masters will highlight the freshest, most flavorful seafood sourced directly from North Carolina’s waters, promising an unforgettable gastronomic experience for attendees. Notably, all the featured chefs are proud Chef Ambassadors of NC Catch, underscoring their commitment to supporting North Carolina’s commercial fishing industry and sustainable seafood practices. Each course will be expertly paired with complementary wines, enhancing the flavors and creating a truly immersive dining adventure.

“Why The Passion! – Because we are especially passionate about the seafood our fishermen and fisherwomen provide us as well as the produce, beef and pork from our farmers. I truly believe NC seafood and waterways are some of the best in the country!” said Chef Jamie Davis. “The Hackney Passion is a celebration of both these delicious ingredients, their suppliers and the talent and creativity of each Chef’s unique style and menu. We are honored to host these talented, passionate individuals at The Hackney! The key criteria is all Chefs will be using fresh NC Seafood as a component of each dish and canape, and we must have fun!”

Beyond the exceptional dining experience, “The Hackney Passion” holds a deeper purpose, a contribution from each night will be donated to NC Catch, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting and promoting North Carolina’s commercial fishing industry. This vital initiative helps to ensure the sustainability of local seafood and the livelihoods of the hardworking individuals who bring it to our tables.

The lineup of chefs includes:
• Ashley Christensen of AC Restaurants, Raleigh – Winner of the James Beard Foundation Award for Outstanding Chef.
• Dean Neff of Seabird, Wilmington – James Beard Foundation Award Finalist for Outstanding Chef.
• Ricky Moore of Saltbox Seafood Joint, Durham – James Beard Foundation Award Semi-Finalist for Outstanding Chef. Winner of the James Beard Foundation Award for Best Chef in
the Southeast.
• Jamie Davis of The Hackney, Washington – James Beard Foundation Award Finalist for Best Chef in the Southeast.
• Keith Rhodes of Catch, Wilmington – Two x James Beard Foundation Award Semi-Finalist for Best Chef in the Southeast.
• Luke Owens of Native Fine Diner and Julep Contemporary Kitchen, Greenville – Now Chef-Owner of Native and Julep, Luke was previously Chef de Cuisine at one of NC’s most notable fine dining restaurants, Chef and the Farmer.
• James Doss of Rx Chicken and Oysters, Wilmington. The Rx Team supply a good portion of their own seafood. They have farm raised oysters and clams, wild mussels, and a variety of fish that they catch and spear and occasionally spiny lobsters. They will supply their own seafood for their night. They plan on using oysters, clams, spiny lobster, and the invasive lionfish for sure! Now Chef-Owner of Rx James honed his craft under some of the best chefs in Wilmington and Charleston, South Carolina, including two years under Sean Brock at Husk.
• Carson Jewell of Manna, Wilmington. Previously Head Chef at the iconic Wilmington restaurant, Caffe Phoenix and worked under mentor and close friend James Doss at Rx,
Wilmington’s first true farm to table restaurant.
• Walker Sullivan of Native Citizen, Raleigh. Native Citizen, the brainchild of Walker Sullivan and Kennedy Campbell, was formed to showcase and support North Carolina businesses in the form of a food service company.
• Jill Thompson of Tiny Galley Chef, Roanoke Island, Outer Banks – trained under inspiring farm-to-table chefs at the Ashburton Cookery School in Devon, UK, and The Greyfield Inn on Cumberland Island, Georgia. Jill is the Chef abord their beautiful sailboat where one of their signature experiences is a “Coast to Table” dinner at anchor. “Cooking in small galleys with limited access to ingredients challenged me to be resourceful and creative, deepening my love for using local, seasonal provisions.”
• Chef Jamie & his Team will support the visiting Chef’s as their kitchen team on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday and Chef Jamie will take the lead on Friday and Saturday,
partnering Friday with Walker Sullivan and Jill Thompson and Saturday for the Finale with Luke Owens and Jill Thompson.
• The Hackney’s Sous Chef & Pastry Chef Amber Harding and Chef Jamie will prepare dessert course for the first 3 nights. Jill Thompson will prepare the desserts on the final two evenings. Jill is launching Roanoke Island Rum Cakes, a passion project that bridges her past and present, infusing flavors from both the Caribbean and the Outer Banks with a blend of Virgin Island and Roanoke Island rums.

Notably, all the featured chefs are proud Chef Ambassadors of NC Catch, underscoring their commitment to supporting North Carolina’s commercial fishing industry and sustainable seafood practices.

Event Details:
• Event Name: The Hackney Passion
• Dates: Monday, May 27 – Friday, May 31, 2025
• Location: The Hackney, 192 W Main St, Washington, NC 27889

• Format: The Evening:
o NC Catch’s African American contribution to NC seafood industry exhibit will be upstairs and downstairs all week for Guests to view
o Arrival from 5:30pm – you will be greeted with a 1000 Piers Gin (The Hackney Distillery) Signature Cocktail or Mocktail & Special NC Catch Canapes – one from each chef
o Dinner starts at 6:30pm there will be a five-course tasting menu with wine pairings each night, prepared by two/three featured North Carolina chefs. In the format of The Hackney Social – chefs present their course, seafood suppliers talk and present/educate about the featured seafood and The Hackney presents the wine. The course is served and enjoyed! Chefs & suppliers walk around and talk to Guests.

• Hosts: The Hackney’s Executive Chef Jamie Davis, James Beard Foundation Award Finalist Best Chef in Southeast and Owner and Restaurant Manager, Susanne Hackney
• Beneficiary: NC Catch
• Featured Chefs: Ashley Christensen, Dean Neff, Ricky Moore, Jamie Davis, Keith Rhodes, Luke Owens, James Doss, Carson Jewell, Walker Sullivan, Jill Thompson (all NC Catch Chef Ambassadors).
• Featured Seafood Suppliers: Ana Shellem, Fisherwoman and Owner of Shell’em Seafood Company, John Mallette, Fisherman and Co-Owner of Southern Breeze Seafood, Rx Chicken and Oyster’s Team of Fishermen and Fisherwomen. James Doss, Sarah Doss and Matt Jewell. And more to be announced.
• Tickets: $275/person (tax and tip included) Available for purchase now at https://www.thehackneypassion.com/
If you love delicious, real local seafood, don’t miss this exclusive opportunity to savor the artistry of some of North Carolina’s top chefs while supporting an important cause. Tickets are limited
and are expected to sell out quickly.

About The Hackney:
Located in the heart of historic Little Washington, NC in a beautifully restored 1920’s Bank Building, The Hackney is a refined Southern restaurant celebrated for its innovative southern coastal cuisine, warm hospitality, and unwavering commitment to showcasing the finest ingredients North Carolina has to offer. The restaurant is led by the Team of Executive Chef Jamie Davis, James Beard Foundation Award Finalist Best Chef Southeast and Susanne Hackney, Owner and Restaurant Manager. The Hackney strives to provide a memorable dining experience rooted in the region’s rich culinary traditions.

About NC Catch:
NC Catch is a non-profit organization dedicated to connecting consumers with locally sourced seafood and supporting North Carolina’s commercial fishing industry. Through education, outreach and strategic partnerships, NC Catch works to ensure the long-term viability of the State’s seafood resources and the livelihoods of its fishermen and fisherwomen.