-- Shares Facebook Twitter Reddit Email In everything from live music to the restaurant industry , North Carolina has had a bit of a renaissance in recent years. Dean Neff, chef-owner of Seabird in Wilmington, NC, says "We have an incredible diversity in this area – from farmers to foragers and fishers . That makes for a really dynamic place to be cooking.
" In addition to North Carolina, Neff - who was most recently one of only five finalists for the James Beard Foundation's "Outstanding Chef" award nationwide - is especially passionate about sustainability and seafood. Neff was also a semifinalist for a regional Best Chef award for his former restaurant PinPoint in 2019 , as well as for Seabird in 2023. Related "Top Chef" finalist Savannah Miller talks eggs, North Carolina and why taking risks is "addictive" Seabird, which is only a few years old, is run in conjunction with Neff's wife, Lydia Clopton.
According to the official website , the pair originally met when working at Chef Hugh Acheson's restaurant in Athens, Georgia, until "the salt water beckoned them to North Carolina's coast," with Neff as co-owner/chef and Clopton as pastry chef. Now, at Seabird, the duo "honor the seasons and the seaside food culture so unique to Wilmington." Recently, Salon Food had the opportunity to chat with Chef Neff and were fortunate to discuss farmers, fishers and foragers, sustainability and local ingredients, working closely with his wife, why he cooks and what's next for North Caro.