2025 Cork & Fork Event to Spotlight Female Culinary Talent

A participating chef in the 2024 Cork & Fork event, Chef-Founder Forough Vakili of Le Bon Nosh restaurant in Atlanta, Ga., has found culinary inspiration from her studies as a chemical engineer, her worldly travels, and her lifelong appreciation for fresh, seasonal fare. Here, Chef Vakili shares two recipes from the dishes she prepared at the 2024 Cork & Fork affair.

Pear and Bacon Galette 

Ingredients

• 500 g flour
• 250 g butter
• 1 pinch of thyme
• 8 Tbsp water
• 2 Tbsp apple vinegar
• Zest of one lemon
• 1 qt heavy cream
• 3 eggs
• 1 Tbsp salt
• 1 pinch of black pepper
• 1/4 cup of grated Gruyère cheese
• 4 bacon strips
• 1/2 pear

Make the dough by mixing the first set of ingredients in a food processor. Roll out the dough onto a sheet pan and par bake. Mix cream, eggs, salt and pepper and whisk well. Bake the bacon until crispy and cut up into small pieces. Cut the pear into slices. Pour the cream mixture into the galette shell. Top with the bacon, pears, and cheese. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.

The 2024 Cork & Fork event was a resounding success, uniting food enthusiasts and top female chefs for an unforgettable culinary experience. Guests savored an array of creative dishes showcasing the talent of participating chefs. Chef Sara Moulton, a protégé of Julia Child and celebrated television food star, served as emcee of the event and participating chefs included Chef Rosana Rivera of Chef & the Baker in Tampa Bay, Fla., Chef Christine Lau of Kimika in New York, NY, Chef Cara Tobin, of Honey Road Restaurant and The Grey Jay in Burlington, Vt., and Chef Forough Vakili of Le Bon Nosh in Atlanta, Ga.

The atmosphere buzzed with excitement as guests enjoyed the culinary delights with expertly paired wines, interactive wine tastings, and engaging panel discussions. Feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with many praising the quality of the food and the vibrant energy of the event. With its engaging format and focus on creativity and innovation, the 2024 Cork & Fork set a high bar for future events, leaving everyone eager for what’s next.