18 I SALAMANDER 2023

In the summer of 2022 , for the second consecutive year , Salamander Collection played host to top-tier chefs , food writers and culinary professionals at The Family Reunion – a joyous celebration of diversity in the hospitality community and part of the Food & Wine Classic series of events .

Held at Salamander in historic Middleburg , Virginia , guests enjoyed inspiring panel discussions , cooking demonstrations and recreational activities on 340 acres in the heart of the state ’ s wine country . The days also featured celebratory family-style meals with guests mingling with award winners and celebrity talent like Rodney Scott , Carla Hall , Mashama Bailey and Robin McBride .

A few years ago , James Beard awardwinning chef and author Kwame Onwuachi approached Salamander Founder and CEO Sheila Johnson with a mission to inspire future culinary professionals . Onwuachi

envisioned a well-rounded experience that brought friends together that would leave them feeling like family .

As the only African-American woman to wholly own a Forbes Five Star resort and the co-founder of Black Entertainment Television , Johnson deeply understood the need to showcase diverse talent in the industry . The Family Reunion was a success its first year and evolved to be even more intimate and joyful in its second .

“ We celebrate Black and Brown professionals in the food industry from chefs to beverage professionals to food writers , while throwing one heck of a party at the same time ,” Onwuachi said .

There ’ s a community feel to the four-day event , a bonding as attendees experience incredible dishes and explore the history of food ’ s development . As if the educational itinerary wasn ’ t enough , there is also axe throwing , wine tasting , mixology classes and even some zip lining , while each evening featured

energy-driven musical entertainment and lots of dancing .

Not satisfied at just discussing elevating a new generation of culinary superstars , The Family Reunion also created a culinary school scholarship . Applicants send essays that are all read by Onwuachi . “ I ’ ll be picking a new person for this year and that ’ s exciting ,” he said .

Putting together this event is one of the highlights in Johnson ’ s career . “ I ’ m so proud to partner with Kwame and Food & Wine and delighted that my resort can provide a platform for thoughtful discussion about inclusion ,” she said .

Onwuachi is just as proud . “ It ’ s so important that we get to share this experience and break bread , dance and laugh together ,” he said . “ It ’ s rejuvenation .”

THE FAMILY REUNION August 17-20 , 2023 Middleburg , VA salamanderhotels . com / familyreunion