Honors and Accolades

Our entire team takes pride in the achievements and recognition we have garnered over three decades. 


Culinary Competition

2021, NCRLA Chef of the Year (Rich Carter, finalist)

2017, 2018, 2023 NACE Bites & Pints (Rich Carter, Tristan Baker, winners)

2017 Cooking for a Classic Champions (Rich Carter, Jill Santa Lucia)

2016 Maple Leaf Farm Discover Duck (Rich Carter, winner)

2016 North Carolina Competition Dining Series (Rich Carter, winner)

2012 In the US Foods Next Top Product (Jill Santa Lucia, finalist)

2002 Bacardi Recipe Challenge (Jill Santa Lucia, grand prize)

2001 Rich's Winning is Sweet (Jill Santa Lucia, winner)

Industry Awards

National

2017, 2018 NACE On Premise Event of the Year, Culinary Adventures - An Evening in Paris and Carolina on my Mind

Regional

2018 NACE Best Dessert Presentation, Best Plated Food Presentation, Favorite Food at a Meeting, Favorite Overall Meeting

Media Distinction

2023 100 Women to Know (Jill Santa Lucia)

2009 - 2023 Wedding Wire Couple's Choice

1996 - 2023 The Knot Best of Weddings

2016 Best Places to Work, Triangle Business Journal

2022 Raleigh's Best, The News and Observer

2015 - 2023 Top Women Owned Business, The News and Observer

2021 WRAL Voter's Choice

2019, 2021, 2022 Best Caterer, Midtown Magazine Diamond Awards

2019, 2021 Best of Wake and Western Wake, Cary Magazine Diamond Awards

2019, 2023 Best of the Triangle, Indy Week

2023 Best of the Best, Indy Week

2018 - 2024 Wedding Pro, Heart of NC Magazine 

2023 Wake Living, Readers Choice Awards, Best Caterer

2023 Wake Living, Readers Choice Awards, Best New Restaurant, NCMA Cafe

2023 Wake Living, Readers Choice Awards, Best Florist, Bloom Works


Certifications

Jill Santa Lucia

  • Johnson & Wales Culinary Institute

Lorin Laxton

  • Guild of Masters Sommelier Level 1

Kelli Harrison

  • Raleigh Chamber of Commerce 9 month Leadership Program
  • Certified Professional in Catering and Events (CPCE)
  • 2022 NACE Catering Professional of the Year

Rich Carter

  • Got to be North Carolina Certified

EW Fulcher

  • NC Florist Association
  • Greater Triangle Florist Association