The Family Reunion

In the summer of 2022, for

the second consecutive year, the 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 award-winning 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."