Press Room

The Fearrington House Inn – just named by Travel + Leisure’s “World’s Best Awards” as one of the “15 Best Resorts in the South” — will celebrate the Fearrington House Restaurants’ 40th anniversary with a series of events highlighting the restaurant’s historic place in the South’s culinary scene.  

The Fearrington House Restaurant was first introduced in 1980 when co-owner Jenny Fitch endeavored to entice guests for a delicious meal in the countryside near Chapel Hill. With R.B. and Jenny Fitch’s vision, and a succession of gifted chefs, it became known as one of the great restaurants of the American South. In 1986, the restaurants’ success inspired the Fitches to open the storied Inn, and in 1988, The Fearrington House Inn, Restaurant & Spa became a Relais & Châteaux property – the first in North Carolina, and among the first in the South to receive such prestige. 

Over four decades, The Fearrington House Restaurant has been home to the South’s most respected culinary luminaries — including Edna Lewis, Ben Barker and Walter Royal, to name a few. Jim Harrell served as Fearrington’s opening chef, and in addition to the aforementioned chefs, Cory Mattson, Warren Stephens, Graham Fox and Colin Bedford all paved the way for Fearrington’s current talented chef Paul Gagne, each one mentoring the next. As a culinary destination, Fearrington has trained many other notable chefs and pastry chefs as well – Shane Ingram, Sean Fowler, Tyler Brown, and Sera Cuni, for example, and renowned sommeliers such as Master Sommelier Max Kast and Paula de Pano. Fearrington has also had the honor of hosting some of the world’s most award-winning chefs and authors – from Bill Neal, Patrick O’Connell, Thomas Keller and Sean Brock, to Ruth Reichl, Giada DeLaurentis, Frances Mayes and the Lee Brothers. 

Known for the finest in food, wine, and excellent service as well as a romantic destination, it continues to be the epitome of understated southern dining sophistication. To celebrate, owner R.B. Fitch welcomes guests this fall for a series of events honoring the restaurant. “It has been very rewarding to see how much The Fearrington House Restaurant has meant to so many, and how beautifully it has evolved over four decades,” said R.B. Fitch, who received NCRLA’s “Lifetime Achievement Award” this year. “We couldn’t be prouder to celebrate its history, which Jenny put into motion with such vision and passion four decades ago.”

40^th Anniversary Luncheon Honoring Jenny Fitch’s “The Fearrington House Cookbook”
Sunday, Sept 25th, 11:30am
Purchase tickets with book: Fearrington House 40th Anniversary Lunch – Fearrington Village
Purchase “The Fearrington House Cookbook” at McIntryre’s Books: https://www.mcintyresbooks.com/fearrington-house-cookbook
Book images: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/uwzf0op3s6e94u3/AADeOH-7RufCa953tJDB2Ilna?dl=0

Guests are invited to celebrate “The Fearrington House Cookbook, A Celebration of Food, Flowers and Herbs,” authored by the late co-owner Jenny Fitch in 1987 – just eight years after Fitch and Fearrington chefs introduced many of these dishes at The Restaurant. While The Fearrington House Restaurant has evolved into a fine dining experience, many of the dishes can still be found on the property – at weddings, catered events, the Belted Goat Market & Wine Shop and Roost Beer Garden. At The 40^th Anniversary Luncheon, guests will enjoy handwritten menus, just as they were originally offered at The Fearrington House Restaurant, thanks to the book illustrator, as well as flower arrangements from Fearrington gardens. With purchase of ticket, each guest will receive a copy of Jenny Fitch’s historic cookbook – recently introduced with a new cover. 

“This beautifully illustrated book is a feast for the eye and the palate, with a banquet of recipes, menus and corresponding flower arrangements that have made Fearrington House famous the world over. Here is a guide to the art of gracious Southern living–Fearrington House style.” – Good Reads

Valrhona Chocolate Soufflé Class, inspired by the Grand Dame of Southern Cooking, Edna Lewis
Sunday, Oct 16^th, 11:30am
Purchase tickets: https://fearrington.com/events/oct-16-souffle-class/
Sunday, Nov 13^th, 11:30am
Purchase tickets: https://fearrington.com/events/nov-13-chocolate-souffle-class/

Learn to make this decadent, classic chocolate soufflé – introduced to Fearrington by Edna Lewis during her tenure as one of Fearrington’s early chefs. Pastry Chef Lydia Arnold will demonstrate this recipe, and participants will indulge in the soufflé. 

“Your server punctures the airy top of the soufflé, then pours hot chocolate into the hole, and adds a healthy dollop of whipped cream. It’s a wordless performance that will leave you speechless — yet still able to open your mouth and eat it.”
– Our State Magazine

40th Anniversary Tasting Menu
Beginning September 25th through the month of November, Chef Paul Gagne will offer a 7-course elevated wine and champagne-paired tasting menu specifically created to celebrate the 40th anniversary and the American South! The dinner will include Fearrington’s decadent Chocolate Soufflé. 

Reserve via OpenTable and check back in September to view the 40^th Anniversary Tasting Menu: https://fearrington.com/the-fearrington-house-restaurant/ 

Don’t miss these other noteworthy happenings when you plan your next visit to Fearrington to celebrate the 40^th anniversary:

McIntyre’s Books Welcomes…

August 13th, 2-3pm
Lisa Jewell, author of “The Family Remains”
Tickets: https://www.mcintyresbooks.com/event/lisa-jewell-family-remains-ticketed-event  

Saturday, September 10th, 11-12noon
Brian Noyes, author of “The Red Truck Bakery Farmhouse Cookbook: Sweet and Savory Comfort Food from America’s Favorite Rural Bakery”
Tickets: https://www.mcintyresbooks.com/event/brian-noyes-red-truck-bakery-farmhouse-cookbook-sweet-and-savory-comfort-food-america%E2%80%99s  

September 11, 2pm-3pm
Craig Johnson, author of “Hell and Back”
Tickets: https://www.mcintyresbooks.com/event/craig-johnson-hell-and-back-ticketed-event

Saturday, September 24, 2-3pm
Rinker Buck, author of “Life on the Mississippi: An Epic American Adventure”
Tickets: https://www.mcintyresbooks.com/event/rinker-buck-life-mississippi-epic-american-adventure  

Dovecote Trunk Shows…

Aug 26-27, 10-5pm
As always, gorgeous Kinross cashmere options abound in a fresh array of colors for the season.
https://fearrington.com/events/dovecote-trunk-show-kinross-fall-22/

Sept 9-10, 10-5pm
Hinson Wu joins us from New York with his Fall 2022 collection
https://fearrington.com/events/dovecote-fall-22-trunk-show-hinson-wu-2/

The Fearrington House Spa…

This Fall, inquire about seasonal services at the Spa, such as the pumpkin pedicure scrub and exfoliating wrap. https://fearrington.com/the-spa/

Images:
Executive Chef Paul Gagne & Team, credit Krystal Kast: 
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/n6yypubvv41k9pf/AACjYqsKNYIigmL0PlzTrayBa?dl=0

Fearrington Restaurant Images, credit Krystal Kast:
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/e608doogrj5rtu5/AABKr8z4wwehu7ZJ9Mz9M8Hya?dl=0 

The Fearrington House: 
https://www.dropbox.com/s/l2si0hekrmrogv2/20160417_42.jpg?dl=0 

Jenny Fitch & The Fearrington House Cookbook images: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/uwzf0op3s6e94u3/AADeOH-7RufCa953tJDB2Ilna?dl=0

The Fearrington House Restaurant has welcomed guests to its gracious dining room – located in the original Fearrington Farm homestead – since 1980. Known for classic hospitality, European flair and its prestigious wine collection, this Relais & Châteaux property is a beloved destination for global travelers and locals alike. The restaurant offers seasonal tasting menus. As a nod to its history, the legendary Edna Lewis’s Hot Chocolate Soufflé – created at Fearrington – is a mainstay. The cozy bar complements with craft cocktails and a bistro menu.  Nestled in Fearrington Village at the historic Fearrington House Inn, just outside of Chapel Hill, the Fearrington House Restaurant offers an enhanced breakfast for guests of the Inn, Afternoon Tea, cocktails, dinner and more. 

The Fearrington House Restaurant features a pre-fixe menu, regular and vegetarian tasting menus, and optional wine pairings Thursday through Saturday beginning at 5:00pm. Breakfast is served Wednesday through Sunday for inn guests only. Afternoon Tea is available Thursday through Sunday from 12-3:00pm. Reservations required for dinner and Afternoon Tea. 

The Fearrington House Bar is open Thursday through Saturday 4:30-9:00 pm and Sunday 4:30-8:00 pm. Bar food service is available starting at 5:00 pm. Walk-in’s are welcome, though reservations are suggested for dinner in the bar. 

The Belted Goat is open Wednesday through Sunday serving breakfast from 9-11am and lunch from 11-3pm. Roost Beer Garden is open seasonally.

Follow @Fearrington_house and visit www.Fearrington.com for details & to reserve.

Media Inquiries, Contact:
Jennifer Noble Kelly: Jennifer@JNKPublicRelations.com;
919-368-4987; @JNKPublicRelations.com

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