Chef Steven Devereaux Greene and Herons at The Umstead Hotel & Spa are pleased to announce that the property will host Herons: Rooted in the South, a dinner benefitting the Southern Foodways Alliance on Wednesday, December 5,  at 6:30 p.m.

The two-time James Beard Award semifinalist will look to the harvest of the Piedmont region to create a meal of elegant, artistic and thought-provoking dishes that highlight winter root vegetables from the property’s acre of sustainable farmland at nearby One Oak Farm. The five-course menu will offer a glimpse into Greene’s Southern background and celebrate fine dining culture of the South as well as feature components from his talented counterpart and pastry chef, Jonathan Fisher, whose notable ethos, creativity and impressive presentation mirror and enhance Greene’s.

Herons will donate 50 percent of the proceeds from ticket sales to the Southern Foodways Alliance, which documents, studies and explores the diverse food cultures of the changing American South. The member-supported organization is based at the University of Mississippi’s Center for the Study of Southern Culture, and collects oral histories, produces films and podcasts, publishes great writing, sponsors scholarship, mentors students and stages events that serve as progressive and inclusive catalysts for the greater South.

The event will begin with a reception at 6:30 p.m. in the art gallery, followed by a seated dinner starting at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are $150 per person, with optional wine pairings for an additional $75, and can be purchased by calling the restaurant at (919) 447-4050.