Where there’s smoke, there’s fire…and a feast!

Teddy Diggs, executive chef of Il Palio, and Chris Fischer, author of James Beard award-winning cookbook, Beetlebung Farm, join forces to transport the seaside flavors and rustic elegance of Martha’s Vineyard to the heart of North Carolina. Guests will be regaled with a blazing bounty prepared over an open flame that features the delicate nuances of fire and smoke in every bite.

Chefs Teddy and Chris forged a deep friendship over their shared passion for sustainable ingredients, fresh seafood and fire while working on Martha’s Vineyard in 2010. Teddy joined Chris on his island farm – Beetlebung Farm -- where the two would talk food and farming over wood-burning fire pits. Since these formative culinary experiences, fire and smoke have become a foundational aspect of each chef’s hallmark.

Hosted at Il Palio in Chapel Hill, the Fire from the Farm dinner will transform the restaurant’s interior space into seaside supper reminiscent of the greenhouse on Chris’ Beetlebung Farm. The multi-course feast features recipes from Fischer’s cookbook, regional Italian exclusives by Diggs and expert wine and cocktail pairings. Guests will also receive a VIP gift.

A portion of the proceeds from Fire from the Farm will benefit Abundance NC, a North Carolina nonprofit that supports sustainable foods, fuels and approximately 200 local farms. The dinner will take place at Il Palio located at 1505 E. Franklin Street in Chapel Hill.

Tickets can be purchased $120 by calling 919-918-2545 and include expert wine and cocktail pairings and a VIP gift. Personalized and autographed copies of Chris Fischer’s James Beard-winning cookbook, The Beetlebung Farm Cookbook, will be available for purchase.