Charlotte is invited to join the excitement as the highest-rated chef and pastry chef competitors from the all-new regional semi-final rounds will take part in the final competition, which concludes the first day of the North Carolina Restaurant & Lodging Expo. Six North Carolina distilleries, partnered with top-shelf mixologists, will stir up excitement and compete for the NCRLA Mixologist of the Year award. Professional judges will choose this year’s winners based on the presentation and taste of their dish or drink, creativity, and the best use of North Carolina ingredients. Attendees will select the People’s Choice Award recipients and more. Tickets are $125 per person and include: • Food tastings from 21 chefs (For a complete list of chefs, click here) • Drink tastings from 10 beverage vendors—including North Carolina distilleries, wineries and breweries