WELCOME TO
THE STAGIAIRE FOUNDATION
Globally speaking, Southern food has a reputation and a following with fried chicken as its mascot and bourbon as its sidekick. But, like many food cultures around the world, the food and drink of the Southern U.S. has a depth, reach and history that deserves a closer look.
With a mission to increase global understanding and appreciation of Southern food and drink, The Stagiaire Foundation is creating opportunities for leading chefs and beverage professionals from around the world to explore what’s going on in the region.
Expanding on the idea of a culinary stage, The Foundation’s programs will foster global appreciation of Southern food and drink with peer-to-peer, cross-cultural exchanges. Stagiaires won’t be acting as garde mangers or barbacks but rather learning from their peers (or Coaches as the Foundation calls them) through carefully-planned and immersive experiences that explore the ideas, traditions, ingredients, techniques, and history that define the epicurean South.
Not only will the Stagiaires learn new techniques, flavors and ingredients, they will also venture into the past, present and future of the South’s culinary culture, often finding their own cuisines woven into the fabric of the region’s delicious history.
But fear not, this experience isn’t just for toques and mixologists, the program will include show-and-tell dinners and events and a docuseries where Stagiaire and Coach will bring their experience together to life for food and drink lovers.