





















FIVE YEAR ANNIVERSARY AUGUST 14-17, 2025



































FIVE YEAR ANNIVERSARY AUGUST 14-17, 2025
to The Family Reunion!
This is our fifth year of coming together for what has become the nation’s leading celebration of culinary excellence, culture, and community.
We have truly built something special: a space where diversity in hospitality is not only honored but elevated. This year, we celebrate how far we’ve come: as always, expect a vibrant lineup of thought-provoking panels, hands-on cooking demos, soul-nourishing meals, and unforgettable evening gatherings. And we’re proud to continue making an impact by supporting our philanthropic partner, the Culinary Institute of America, in shaping the next generation of talent.
We’ve learned, grown, and created memories together. This year is both a reflection and a celebration – a space where returning friends and new faces alike can find inspiration, connection and joy.
We’d like to thank the hard-working people who make this event a reality, including sponsors, partners, and the Salamander Middleburg service professionals.
KWAME ONWUACHI
James Beard Award-Winning
Chef,
Restaurateur, and Author
Co-Host,
The Family Reunion
SHEILA C. JOHNSON Founder & CEO, Salamander Collection Co-Host, The Family Reunion
AUGUST 14, 2025
10
Family Reunion Golf Excursion
Please join us to launch the 5th Anniversary of the Family Reunion with an exclusive golf outing hosted by Kwame Onwuachi with Nyesha Arrington and Tiffany Derry.
10 AM Shuttle departure from Salamander Middleburg to Creighton Farms
5 PM Arrival back to Salamander Middleburg
*Separate advance ticket purchase required.
Presented by United & Virginia Tourism Corp.
Join us as we kick off the weekend Family Reunion style. There’s nothing like a BBQ especially a family BBQ featuring some of the best pitmasters and legendary half smokes you can find.
Featured Chefs: Bryan Furman, Rodney Scott, Virginia Ali and Ben’s Chili Bowl, Kevin Bludso, Rasheed Philips, Torrece “Chef T” Gregoire, Salamander Culinary and Pastry Team
Presented by OpenTable
Please join us for an intimate, multi-course dinner in Harrimans featuring our incredible Legacy Chefs who have been a part of Family Reunion since year one.
Featured Chefs: Mashama Bailey & Erick Williams
*Separate advance ticket purchase required.
9:30 PM TO 12 AM THE LIVING ROOM | THE LIBRARY | GOLD CUP
Join us to keep the party going with live music and late night libations.
10 PM TO 12 AM
MIDDLEBURG BALLROOM
Join us for a special R&B Night with a surprise guest. Attire - Purple
Only Available to All-Access Pass Holders
2 FRI AUGUST 15, 2025
7 AM TO 10 AM
HARRIMANS | GOLD CUP
Featured Chef Mawa McQueen with Food & Wine Editor in Chief, Hunter Lewis
10 TO 10:15 AM MIDDLEBURG BALLROOM
Join us for a warm welcome from Kwame Onwuachi, Sheila Johnson, Nina Oduro, and our Family Reunion family before heading to our breakthrough sessions.
10:20 AM - 12:10 PM MIDDLEBURG BALLROOM
All-access pass holders will rotate through three different experiences, visiting each Breakthrough space at different times based on group assignments. Event hosts will be available to guide you between sessions.
Legacy Demo Room
Featuring our Legacy Chefs Erick Williams, Tavel Bristol-Joseph and Tiffany Derry.
Wisdom Room
Featuring trivia with Alexander Smalls & Dr. Jessica B. Harris.
Casino Room
Hosted by Wells Fargo, Mayor Leo Williams of Durham, NC, and the National Restaurant Association.
Breakthrough Session One | 10:20 to 10:50 Room Change | 10:50 - 11:00
Breakthrough Session Two | 11:00 to 11:30 Room Change | 11:30 - 11:40
Breakthrough Session Three | 11:40 to 12:10
12:30 PM TO 3 PM MIDDLEBURG TERRACE TENT
Enjoy a family style lunch under the tent by some of the hardest restaurant reservations to snag.
Featured Restaurants: Dōgon and Dakar NOLA with dessert by Vallery Lomas
B BREAKOUT SESSION
*Only Available to All-Access Pass Holders. Pre-Registration is Required.
3:30 PM TO 5 PM EQUESTRIAN LAWN
BBQ 411
Join some of the best Pitmasters from across the country and get the 411 on why their methods make the best BBQ meal around.
Featured Chefs: Rasheed Philips & Rodney Scott
3:30 PM TO 5 PM ACROSS FROM THE HARRIMANS FIRE PIT
Jerk is a dish of freedom and resilience. Join us in a masterclass on traditional jerk and how that dish came to be, along with the importance of rum to the Jamaican people and its special connection to Jerk.
Featured Chefs: Andre Fowles, Lamar Moore and Nicola Blaque
3:30 PM TO 5 PM THE CULINARY GARDEN
Join our sommelier, Ken Pettus for a walk around tasting highlighting the connection between culture, craftsmanship, and community giving space for guests to sample featured brands and for wineries to tell their stories.
3:30
Presented by Google
Compete on Chopped! Four teams of up to four will work together to turn mystery ingredients into an incredible dish. Register for yourself and at least one other all-access pass holder friend to test your culinary skills together. Work as a team to mix, chop and cook up a special dish for our chefs to judge. The winning team earns bonus points for your Family Team.
Judges: Carla Hall, Preston Clark, and Torrece “Chef T” Gregoire
3:30
Presented by Wells Fargo
Wells Fargo’s Gigi Dixon hosts a fireside chat between entrepreneur and actor Hill Harper, and Janell Stephens, the founder and CEO of Camille Rose Hair Care to discuss their entrepreneurship journeys. Hill and Janell will give insights on how their ideas moved from concepts to multi-million dollar revenue streams, including the roses and thorns of the journey along the way.
3:30
Presented by the National Restaurant Association
In hospitality, success isn’t just about talent – it’s also about how you show up, especially in spaces that weren’t designed with you in mind. In this timely and unapologetic session, industry association leaders Michelle Korsmo and Erika Cospy Carr are joined by hospitality powerhouse Sheila Johnson to discuss navigating the restaurant and hospitality industry with purpose, presence, and power. They’ll explore how culture, identity, and strategy intersect, and how leaders at every level can move with clarity, confidence, and cultural integrity across any table. The strategy isn’t out there. The strategy is you.
3:30 PM TO 5 PM
MIDDLEBURG BALLROOM 1
Caviar Dream, the first Black and female founded caviar business in the country, exemplifies their company’s mission to transform this historically exclusive gourmet treat into #CaviarForThePeople with an interactive and engaging class that answers all your FAQs about this luxury treat.
3:30 PM TO 5 PM MEET AT GAZEBO SALAMANDER ADVENTURES ZIP-LINING
Hosted by Brian Jupiter
3:30 PM TO 5 PM
Hosted by Douglass Williams
Find balance and reset for the evening activities with the healing effects of a sound bath led by Matthew Lyons.
Sessions available from 3:30pm - 4pm, 4:10pm - 4:40pm, 4:50pm - 5:20pm
7 PM TO 10 PM
MIDDLEBURG TERRACE TENT
Let’s go back in time to celebrate the era that reflected on Black identity with the creation of incredible literature, art, fashion, music and more.
Featured Chefs: Melba Wilson, JR Robinson, Charles Gabriel & Quie Slobert, Adrienne Cheatham, Georgiana Viou, Shorne Benjamin, Chef Picky, Maya-Camille Broussard, Salamander Pastry Team, King Street Oyster
7 PM HARRIMANS
Presented by OpenTable
Please join us for an intimate, multi-course dinner in Harrimans featuring our incredible Legacy Chefs who have been a part of Family Reunion since year one.
Featured Chefs: Gregory Gourdet & Nyesha Arrington
*Separate advance ticket purchase required.
10 PM TO 12 AM THE LIVING ROOM | THE LIBRARY | GOLD CUP
AFTERGLOW
Join us and keep the party going with live music and late night libations.
SAT AUGUST 16, 2025
7 AM TO 10 AM HARRIMANS | GOLD CUP
Featured Chefs: Salamander Culinary Team
10:00 AM TO 12:30 PM
MIDDLEBURG BALLROOM
10:15 AM TO 11:15 AM
Let’s sit down to talk about this culinary revolution that’s happening. When did it start, and where will it go?
Panelists: Quie Slobert, Gregory Gourdet, Adrienne Cheatham
Moderator: Chip Wade
11:30 AM TO 12:30 PM
Presented by Food & Wine
Join Food & Wine for a roundtable discussion to explore what it means to be a Black female chef in America with three incredible Black women who have helped set the bar and thrived despite environments that discount them for being female and Black. Special introduction by Deb Freeman, creator of the Emmy Award-winning series, Finding Edna Lewis.
Panelists: Carla Hall, Mashama Bailey, Dr. Jessica B. Harris
Moderator: Cheryl Slocum
12:30 PM TO 3 PM
MIDDLEBURG TERRACE TENT
Enjoy a family style lunch under the tent by some of the hardest restaurant reservations to snag.
Featuring: Tatiana & Lure Fishbar with Tonya Thomas
B BREAKOUT SESSION
*Only Available to All-Access Pass Holders. Pre-registration is required.
3:30 PM TO 5 PM EQUESTRIAN LAWN
BBQ 411
Join some of the best Pitmasters from across the country and get the 411 on why their methods make the best BBQ meal around.
Featured Chefs: Bryan Furman and Kevin Bludso
3:30 PM TO 5 PM ACROSS FROM THE HARRIMANS FIRE PIT
Jerk is a dish of freedom and resilience. Join us in a masterclass on traditional jerk and how that dish came to be, along with the importance of rum to the Jamaican people and its special connection to Jerk.
Featured Chefs: Andre Fowles, Chef Picky, Shorne Benjamin
3:30 PM TO 5 PM EQUESTRIAN CENTER
Presented by Google
Compete on Chopped! Four teams of up to four will work together to turn mystery ingredients into an incredible dish. Register for yourself and at least one other all-access pass holder friend to test your culinary skills together. Work as a team to mix, chop and cook up a special dish for our chefs to judge. The winning team earns bonus points for your Family Team.
Judges: Carla Hall, Maya-Camille Broussard, JR Robinson
3:30 PM TO 5 PM
A conversation with Alexander Smalls & Nina Oduro led by Jamila Robinson. B THE LIBRARY
3:30 PM TO 5 PM
MIDDLEBURG BALLROOM 1
A blind tasting with a twist led by Ken Pettus, Founder of Unwine 101. Sip, guess, and vibe through mystery wines. No labels, just senses. It’s a fun, flavor-forward experience that puts palates to the test.
3:30 PM TO 5 PM
MIDDLEBURG BALLROOM 2
Presented by Wells Fargo
Join Wells Fargo’s Kristy Fercho, for a panel discussion with the powerhouses behind two iconic and historic Black family restaurants in the DC and NYC areas. Vida Ali of Washington DC’s Ben’s Chili Bowl and De’Sean Woods of Sylvia’s Restaurant in Harlem talk about the key to decades of success and the importance of sustaining and growing Black legacy family businesses that serve as a cultural staple in the community from the civil rights era to today.
3:30 PM TO 5 PM
MIDDLEBURG BALLROOM 3
Presented by Toast
Join a conversation with Melba Wilson, Rodney Scott and Chip Wade led by Toast’s Susan Chapman-Hughes to discuss the power of food and travel to bridge identity, history, and community.
3:30 PM TO 5 PM THE GRAND LAWN
Let the games begin. Join the different Family Reunion teams to compete in a series of field games to see which family will reign. Take part and earn bonus points for your Family Team.
Team Captains: Serigne Mbaye, Kareem “Mr. Bake” Queeman
3:30 PM TO 5 PM CULINARY GARDEN
Join the Caviar Dream team to experience this luxurious delicacy in an approachable, fun, and educational way with completely unexpected (and totally delicious) snack pairings.
3:30 PM - 5 PM PICKLEBALL COURTS
Join Nyesha Arrington and Vallery Lomas to test your pickleball skills and have some fun. Winners bring extra points to their Family Team!
3:30 PM - 5 PM SALAMANDER MOVEMENT STUDIO
Reset for the evening activities with yoga led by Matthew Lyons.
Presented by OpenTable
Please join us for an intimate, multi-course dinner in Harrimans featuring our incredible Legacy Chefs who have been a part of Family Reunion since year one.
Featured Chefs: Tiffany Derry and Tavel Bristol-Joseph *Separate advance ticket purchase required.
7 PM TO 10 PM
MIDDLEBURG TERRACE TENT
Presented by Wells Fargo
It’s not The Family Reunion without our signature block party. Great food, a special Lifetime Achievement Award presentation, and the DJ spinning all night. Come dressed in nostalgic 70’s gear and dance the night away.
Featured Chefs: David Thomas, Brian Jupiter, Damarr Brown, Douglass Williams, Lamar Moore, Nicola Blaque, Mawa McQueen, Muhammad Abdul-Hadi, Kareem “Mr. Bake” Queeman, Salamander Pastry Team
10 PM TO 12 AM THE LIVING ROOM | THE LIBRARY | GOLD CUP
Join us to keep the party going with live music and late night libations.
DAY
4 SUN AUGUST 17, 2025
10 AM TO 10:30 AM MIDDLEBURG TERRACE TENT
Let’s all gather in gratitude as we have made it through another year. It’s time to say our farewells and be thankful for what we have.
A bold new design begs for adventure while a tech-forward, drivercentric cabin encourages greatness from within. Just one glance at the All-New Lexus GX will inspire next-level joy. It’s up to you to live up to it.
Chef & Author CHEFADRIENNECHEATHAM
James Beard Award-Winning Chef, Restaurateur and The Family Reunion’s 2022 Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient ASMALLS777
Chef, 3x Food Network “Chopped” Champion, Miss Lily’s CHEFFOWLES
Chef and Owner of Frontier, Ina Mae Tavern, Jup’s Soup, and Jup’s Chicken Coop CHEFJUP
BRYAN FURMAN
Pitmaster, Chef, Owner, Bryan Furman BBQ BS_PITMASTER
CARLA HALL
Chef, Restaurateur, Author CARLAPHALL
Owner and COO of Charles Pan-Fried Chicken CHARLESPANFRIEDCHICKEN
DAMARR BROWN
Chef de Cuisine Virtue Restaurant & Bar and Top This Mac N’ Cheese BROWNDAMARR
DAVID THOMAS
Executive Chef & Partner, H3irloom Food Group CHEF_DKT
DOUGLASS WILLIAMS
Chef/Owner, MIDA South End, MIDA Newton, APIZZA Boston MIDABOSTON
DR. JESSICA B. HARRIS
Food Historian, Award-Winning
Author, Journalist
DRJESSICABHARRIS
ERICK WILLIAMS
Chef & Owner of Virtue Restaurant, Mustard Seed Kitchen, Daisy’s Po-Boy & Tavern, and Top This Mac N’ Cheese CHEFERICKWILLIAMS
GEORGIANA VIOU
Chef at ROUGE restaurant in Nimes
GEORGIANA _VIOU
Culinary Director of Maison Passerelle & Chef-Owner of Kann GG30000
JAMILA ROBINSON
Editor in Chief of Bon Appétit JAMILAROBINSON
JR ROBINSON
Chef & Owner, Kitchencray MRCHEFFITO
KAREEM
“MR. BAKE” QUEEMAN
Owner of Mr. Bake Sweets MRBAKESWEETS
KEN PETTUS
Founder, Unwine101 KENPLUSH
KEVIN BLUDSO
James Beard Award-Winning Chef, Restaurateur, TV
Personality, Author KEVINBLUDSOBBQ
James Beard Award-Winning Chef, Restaurateur, and Author CHEFKWAMEONWUACHI
LAMAR MOORE
Executive Chef & Owner, ETC Restaurant CHEF_ LJM
Co-Founder & Exec Chef, Grey Spaces MASHAMABAILEY
Yoga, Meditation, and Sound Healing Expert MATTHEWDLYONS
MAWA MCQUEEN
Chef and Owner McQueen Hospitality, Mawa’s Kitchen, Mawita, The Crepe Shack, Mawa’s GrainFreeNola MAWAMCQUEEN
Chef and Owner, Justice of the Pies MAYACAMILLEBROUSSARD
MELBA WILSON
Chef, Restaurateur, Author MELBASHARLEM
Owner & Founder of Down North Pizza DOWNNORTH _ PIZZA
Chef and Owner of The Jerk Shack and Freight Fried Chicken
CHEF_ NICOLA _ BLAQUE
Co-founder, Dine Diaspora and Black Women in Food Initiative
NINAODURO
Chef and TV Personality, Next Level Chef NYESHAJOYCE
Owner of Picky Eaters Restaurant, Ariapita Restaurant and Chef Picky Events and Catering CHEFPICKY_
Executive Chef and Culinary Director of Lure Fishbar CHEFPRESTONCLARK
Pitmaster, TV Personality, Philanthropist, Owner of Philips Barbeque Co. RASHEEDPHILIPS
James Beard Award-Winning Chef and Pitmaster, Founder & Owner, Rodney Scott’s Whole Hog BBQ PITMASTERRODNEYSCOTT
James Beard Award-Winning Chef & Owner of Dakar NOLA SERIGNEMBAYE_
Culinary Artist, Owner of Fat Fowl NYC CHEFSHORNE
Pastry Chef and Partner at Emmer & Rye, Hestia, Kalimotxo, Henbit, TLV and Canje TAVEL19
Chef/Owner at Roots Southern Table, Roots Chicken Shak, Radici and Shef Spice MASTERCHEFTD
Executive Pastry Chef & Co-Owner, H3irloom Food Group LADYTTHOMAS77
TORRECE “CHEF T” GREGOIRE
Chef and Owner of Union 41 THEREAL.CHEF.T
Baker, Author and Winner of Great American Baking Show FOODIEINNEWYORK
Chef and Founder, Ben’s Chili Bowl BENSEVERYTHING
Turn this weekend’s memories into next weekend’s plans. For Family Reunion guests, when you purchase a Salamander DC gift card of $100 or more, enjoy a bonus gift card worth 10%. Use it for a tranquil spa experience, a night savoring the tastes of Dōgon, or an elegant city escape.
Available only during Family Reunion weekend. Bonus gift card valid until December 31, 2025.
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It all started with us. Black culture in America began in Virginia when the first enslaved Africans arrived more than 400 years ago. They brought their foods, traditions, and seasoning blends to the English colonies, sparking a culinary revolution that continues to evolve in Virginia and throughout the country. Well-known Virginians like James Hemmings and Edna Lewis popularized recipes that have become cornerstone dishes of family reunions. Originated to reunite the formerly enslaved with the relatives they were separated from, these recipes solidified the VA as a key player in Southern Cuisine. The Family Reunion at the Salamander Middleburg is an ode to this history and a celebration of connection, cuisine, and community.
During your time in Virginia, experience Black culture in Virginia through Black-owned restaurants, can't-miss destinations, and events.
CENTRAL VIRGINIA
• Penny’s Wine Shop, Richmond
• MarieBette Bakery, Charlottesville
• Barb’s Dream Hut, Lynchburg
• Jackson Ward, Richmond
• Monticello, Charlottesville
• Birthplace of Edna Lewis, Orange
• Robert Russa Moton Museum, Farmville
NORTHERN VIRGINIA
• Delaplane Cellars, Delaplane
• Foode, Fredericksburg
• Fredericksburg Civil Rights Trail
• Alexandria Black History Museum
• Salamander, Middleburg
EASTERN SHORE
• Kendall’s Kountry Kitchen, Onley
VIRGINIA MOUNTAINS
• Caribbica Soul, Roanoke
• Historic Gainsboro Neighborhood, Roanoke
SOUTHWEST VIRGINIABLUE RIDGE HIGHLANDS
• Eatz on Moore, Bristol
COASTAL VIRGINIAHAMPTON ROADS
• Mango Mangeaux, Hampton
• Cobalt Grille, Virginia Beach
• Tipsy Bean, Williamsburg
• Emancipation Oak, Hampton
• Fort Monroe, Hampton
SHENANDOAH VALLEY
• Merge Coffee Co, Harrisonburg
Scan to place your bid before the auction closes at 1:00 PM ET on Sunday, August 17.
Thank you to all of our sponsors. Proceeds benefit the Culinary Institute of America.
BY LISA PARKER BEAUTY
Reserve your appointment with award-winning stylist Lisa Parker Beauty. Women’s and Men’s services are available ThursdaySunday exclusively for event attendees.
Visit the boutique in the Cooking Studio for a curated selection of featured talent books, apparel, accessories, and more.
Check out the Middleburg Terrace Tent throughout the event for all things Family Reunion. Find your new favorite shirt, hoodie, or hat and celebrate in Family Reunion fashion all weekend long.
Share your experience and follow along: @chefkwameonwuachi | @salamanderresort | @salamanderhotels View Event Schedule