New South Chef Collective: A Garden Dinner Series II

About this event

Experience Old South ingredients in a fresh new way during the second of three Garden dinners hosted by The New South chef collective, an all-Black group of Atlanta chefs who showcase culture and cuisine through collaboration. Date: Thursday, Sept. 17 Time: 6:30–8:30 p.m. Fee: $125 (Member $115) Instructors: Chefs Christan Willis, Charmain Ware-Jason, Dene Lynn, India Johnson, and Jaye Smith Member Link non-Member Link About Chef Christian Willis Chef Christan Willis is a chef and media personality known for designing refined culinary experiences that blend culture, storytelling, and hospitality. In 2025, she earned the title of Food Network’s Chopped Champion and has appeared on Netflix’s Pressure Cooker and several other Food Network shows, bringing her dynamic, heritage-driven culinary perspective to national audiences. Christan is a brand ambassador for BMW Atlanta, Chef Works ambassador, a member of Les Dames d’Escoffier Atlanta, and part of The New South, a collective of chefs redefining Southern cuisine. Through luxury events, curated dinners, brand collaborations, philanthropy, and media projects, she continues to shape Atlanta’s evolving culinary landscape. About Chef Charmain Ware-Jason From life as a military brat to leaving home at 16 to work in Atlanta night clubs, Chef Charmain Ware-Jason’s path to the pastry world was anything but linear. Her true culinary journey began during an unexpected dark chapter when a severe car accident left her bedridden. While recovering, she watched The Food Network daily, igniting a deep passion for baking that transformed her isolation into inspiration. Prompted by a friend, she bought her first baking tools at Michael’s and applied for a culinary grant with 180° Kitchen at City of Refuge. After earning the grant, she trained under prestigious instructors and launched a career that took her to high-profile kitchens like Cirque du Soleil – TOTEM, Restaurant 356, Parish, and 2025 Michelin recommended Tiny…