, /PRNewswire/ -- , the country's preeminent culinary celebration of color and excellence, has announced its slate of culturally rich programming for the inspiring and inclusive gathering next month. The sold-out event is helmed by some of the industry's top talent including , , , , , , and more. For 2024, The Family Reunion has a new charitable philanthropic beneficiary – the , Onwuachi's alma mater.
The event has also attracted new and elevated sponsors for 2024, including , , , , and . Presented by Chef, Restaurateur and Author in collaboration with and , the multi-day event crosses culinary boundaries and combines thought-provoking panel discussions, topical cooking demonstrations, inspiring recreational activities, daily "family" lunches, vibrant evening parties and late-night afterglows. Since being launched in 2021, The Family Reunion has become one of the nation's premier and most-popular culinary events – quickly selling out with approximately 1,000 people attending each day.
New this year, Appleton Estate, the premium spirit sponsor of The Family Reunion, will collaborate on a variety of programming designed to immerse guests in its rich Jamaican heritage, spotlight rum's cultural relevance and educate on the important role rum plays in the country's culinary history. Sessions, including the return of the popular breakout, 'Jerk: The Dish That Freed a Nation', will pair Appleton Estate Deputy Master Blender David Morrison with chefs and Osei "Chef Picky" Blackett to lead guests through an in-depth tasting of special Appleton Estate expressions, cocktails and delicious jerk cuisine. Wells Fargo will spotlight the event's legacy through a social media campaign featuring The Family Reunion's Lifetime Achievement Award recipients, while United Airlines and Virginia Tourism Corporation will present the opening night cookout, showcasing legendary pitmaster chefs , , Kevin Bludso, and /Ben's Chili Bowl.
On day two, Amazon will present the Family-Style Lunch featuring award-winning restaurants Tatiana and Kann, and pastry chef . Similarly, lunch on Saturday will feature Virtue, pastry chef and the unveiling of menu items from Dōgon, highly anticipated restaurant in , opening later this summer. Breakout sessions will again be varied and include A Noble Grain: The Legacy of Rice in America presented by FOOD & WINE, featuring a conversation with , and on the origins of rice in America.
Favorite chef-led activities like ziplining and Family Field Day will be returning, as will the event's version of the reality show Chopped, where teams will turn mystery ingredients into incredible dishes judged by celebrity judges. Saturday night's Block Party finale, presented by Wells Fargo, will showcase a throwback 90s theme, while there will be a stellar lineup of surprise musical performances throughout the weekend. The Family Reunion concludes on with an inspiring with Gospel Choir.
Supported by Salamander's talented culinary team, The Family Reunion's exceptional strong 2024 roster of talent includes: Virginia Ali, Nyesha Arrington, , Shorne Benjamin, Osei "Chef Picky" Blackett, Kevin Bludso, Tavel Bristol-Joseph, , , , , , Andre Fowles, Bryan Furman, Gregory Gourdet, , , , , , , , , Lamar Moore, Nina Oduro, , , , Jamila Robinson, JR Robinson, Pierre Serrao, Rodney Scott, , , , , , and . The Family Reunion nurtures, develops and celebrates racial and ethnic diversity within the next generation of hospitality professionals. The celebration takes place at Johnson's Salamander Middleburg resort, which is one of only five properties in the and 13 worldwide to hold Forbes Five-Star ratings for accommodations, spa and dining.
Experiences take place throughout Salamander's 340 acres, including its Culinary Garden and Library. There is also an outdoor Grand Stage venue hosting a rotating lineup of meals and events. The only African American woman to wholly own a Forbes Five-Star resort, is renowned for co-founding Black Entertainment Television.
In addition to collaborating on The Family Reunion, Johnson and are partnering to create a vibrant new restaurant, Dōgon, at Johnson's Salamander Washington DC hotel. Onwuachi, who owns the acclaimed Tatiana in , has penned multiple books like his successful memoir and the bestselling cookbook The 2024 Family Reunion event enjoys partnership support Salamander Collection, FOOD & WINE, Appleton Estate, Wells Fargo, Amazon, United Airlines, Virginia Tourism Corporation, Coca-Cola, Lexus, Toast, Ecolab, Select Events, Inspire, Zigma World, La Colombe, Visit Loudoun and AmaWaterways. To see The Family Reunion schedule in its entirety, visit and/or follow along on Instagram at @salamanderresort, @salamanderhotels, @foodandwine and @chefkwameonwuachi.
SOURCE Salamander Collection.
