Chef Spotlight: Spike Gjerde Brings His Chesapeake Bay Roots to Chatham Vineyards’ A South You Never Ate
October 10, 2024On October 26, Chatham Vineyards will host its third iteration of A South You Never Ate, a celebration of Virginia’s Eastern Shore foodways, and one of the featured chefs is none other than the acclaimed Spike Gjerde, co-founder, owner and chef of Woodberry Kitchen in Baltimore, Maryland. Known for his innovative, locally sourced dishes and his steadfast commitment to sustainable practices, Spike Gjerde has long been a trailblazer in the mid-Atlantic food scene.
Spike Gjerde’s Journey to Chatham Vineyards
Spike’s connection to the Eastern Shore and Chatham Vineyards began years ago, sparked by an introduction from Bernie Herman, the author of A South You Never Ate. While visiting Tom Gallivan of Shooting Point Oysters, Spike recalls how Bernie encouraged him to explore the vineyard. That visit led to a lasting relationship, with Chatham’s wines gracing the menu at Spike’s renowned restaurant, Woodberry Kitchen, ever since.
One wine that has stood out to Spike is Chatham’s Steel Chardonnay, which he considers the perfect pairing with Church Creek oysters. He appreciates the vineyard’s unique terroir, its proximity to the Chesapeake, and its role in representing Virginia’s wine identity.
Excitement for A South You Never Ate
Spike’s participation in A South You Never Ate is fueled by his passion for local food traditions and the distinctive heritage of Virginia’s Eastern Shore. Bernie Herman’s book, which shares its title with the event, has deeply informed Spike’s philosophy at Woodberry Kitchen, where celebrating the region’s bounty is at the heart of every dish.
“I’m excited to spend time in this very unique corner of the world with people who care about local food traditions,” says Spike. His involvement in this event feels like a homecoming, where his philosophy of local, sustainable cuisine perfectly aligns with the celebration of the Eastern Shore’s rich culinary heritage.
The Dish: A Tribute to the Eastern Shore
For this year’s event, Spike will prepare a dish that tells the story of the Eastern Shore’s vibrant food culture: Corn Flour Jonny Cakes cooked in cast iron over live fire, with oysters, clams, crabs, salt beef, fish pepper, and preserved cabbage, topped with smoked rockfish offal XO and served with puntarelle and apple dressed in fig leaf oil.
This dish reflects some the region’s most iconic ingredients—Chesapeake fish, shellfish, and corn—and showcases a rustic cooking method that brings out their authentic flavors. The Jonny cakes, fried in pork fat over a live fire, will be cooked in a special cast iron pan with seven individual indentations, adding an extra layer of tradition and craftsmanship to the dish.
By combining elements like smoked rockfish offal and preserved cabbage with the vibrant flavors of oyster and clam, Spike creates a dish that celebrates the Eastern Shore’s past and present. “This dish embraces some of the signature ingredients of the region, along with a very rustic cooking technique,” Spike explains.
A Special Connection to the Eastern Shore
Spike’s memories of the Eastern Shore go beyond the ingredients and dishes he cooks. His personal connections to the region have shaped his culinary journey. From sharing meals with Bernie Herman and Jeremiah Langhorne to enjoying oysters and wine at Chatham Vineyards and breakfast at the Exmore Diner, Spike holds fond memories of his time on the Shore.
A Visionary Chef at Chatham Vineyards
Spike Gjerde’s appearance at Chatham Vineyard’s A South You Never Ate is not just a culinary experience—it’s a celebration of local food, history, and culture. As the first and only Baltimore chef to win the prestigious James Beard Foundation’s award for Best Chef, Mid-Atlantic, Spike continues to inspire with his devotion to sustainable, community-driven cuisine.
Don’t miss this chance to see Spike in action on October 26 and experience a taste of the Eastern Shore like never before. His dedication to the region’s foodways, combined with his innovative approach, will undoubtedly make this an event to remember.
Click here to purchase tickets to A South You Never Ate now before they sell out!