The nationwide Heritage Fire tour has made multiple stops in Nashville over the past few years, assembling groups of chefs and pairing them with heritage-breed animals to create dishes using live-fire cooking techniques. The idea is to demonstrate the connection between farmers and our food — something that should be obvious but often unfortunately isn’t.
Through the years, I’ve discovered some amazing talent whom the organizers have invited to the competition — chefs I hadn’t met yet but would soon see hit center stage in local cuisine. I first encountered chefs like Julio Hernandez from Maiz de la Vida (this year's Iron Fork winner) and Kaelin Ullrich of Bajo Sexto Taco, who’s now cooking for Thomas Keller in Napa, while I was judging in past years. So these organizers definitely know how to pick talent.
This year, Heritage Fire touches down on Sunday, June 23, at historic Stone Hall mansion in Hermitage at 1014 Stones River Road. Although the event focuses on everything from beef, lamb and duck to whole pigs, seafood and veggies cooked over fire or coals, note that it is a rain-or-shine event. VIP admission is $175 per person and includes early entry at 3:30 p.m., plus a welcome drink. Take advantage of the extra time to sample unlimited food from the assembled chefs, plus wine, spirits tastings and craft cocktails. General admission is $125 and allows entry at 4:15 p.m. until the fun is over at 7. There will also be live music on the grounds throughout the event.
Most importantly, check out the list of chefs who will be cooking and offering samples at this year’s Heritage Fire:
- Anthony Pell, The Iberian Pig
- Brack May, Marsh House
- Edgar Victoria, Alebrije
- Kristin Beringson, Henley Nashville
- Travis Tanner, Bourbon Steak
- Andrew Rodriguez, Blue Aster
- Adam Terhune, Commons Club at Virgin Hotels Nashville
- Shauna McCoy, Donut Distillery
- Wil Drake, HERO
- Angeline Chang, Ellington’s
- John Tesar, Knife Dallas
- Angelica Ramirez, Little Fib
- Harrison Baldwin, Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery
- Jordan Arcuri, Oak Steakhouse
- Adam & Crystal Barnes, Southern Spoon Catering & Food Truck
- Brian Kersey, Stationary
- Marcelo Han, Superica
- Billy Terrell, The Beached Pig
- Chris de Jesus, Butcher & Bee
If that assemblage of talent isn’t enough for you to consider attending Heritage Fire, remember that you’ll get the chance to sample all the dishes and vote for your favorite bite to help crown the Heritage Hero. There’s nothing wrong with occasionally getting a little judge-y.
Get your tickets at the event website before they sell out!
