by Natalie Stachon

“Anglers and Appetites” is a fun, informative adventure like nothing else on TV.

The program delivers excitement on the water and exceptional food recipes. Viewers can take notes and embark on their own journeys.

The details of every fishing excursion will have an online companion piece, a suggested place to crash for the night and every recipe from these top chefs will be posted online.

Kyle McKnight, Executive Chef of Highland Avenue Restaurant, was thrilled to  be selected recently to attend the ‘Small Towns, Big Flavors’ dinner to be held at the James Beard House.

McKnight’s career led him through Europe, Charleston, Miami, St. John, and Argentina before he found a home at Hickory NC’s acclaimed Highland Avenue Restaurant. He is creating inspiring cuisine from the bounty of North Carolina land and sea.

McKnight has cooked alongside acclaimed chefs Tom Colicchio, Sean Brock, Chris Edwards, Theirry Vergnalut, and Phil Corr, and he was named a Best Chef America 2012 to 2014 for his commitment to the slow food movement and his advocacy of local farmers in both Wilmington and Hickory, North Carolina.

James Beard was a prolific food writer, teacher and cookbook author who was also known as the “Dean of American Cookery.” The James Beard Foundation’s mission is to offer a variety of events designed to educate, inspire, entertain and show appreciation of all American cuisine and culinary arts. This foundation plans elegant guest-chef dinners along with scholarships for aspiring culinary students, educational conferences, and industry awards.

In the memory of James Beard’s legacy, the Foundation not only creates programs that help educate people about American cuisine, but also support and promote the chefs and other industry professionals who are dedicated to their craft.

Highland Avenue Restaurant
883 Highland Avenue SE, Hickory, NC 28602
(828) 267-9800
highlandavenuerestaurant.com
Open Mon – Sat at 5 p.m.