Memorial Gathering Scheduled for Chef Nathalie Dupree in Charleston

News Summary

Charleston will honor the life and legacy of celebrated chef Nathalie Dupree on March 29, 2025. The memorial gathering will take place at the Charleston Visitor Center, celebrating Dupree’s incredible journey and contributions to Southern cuisine. Friends, fellow chefs, and notable speakers will share their stories, ensuring a heartfelt tribute to the ‘queen of Southern cooking’.

Memorial Gathering Scheduled for Celebrated Chef Nathalie Dupree in Charleston

Charleston, get ready to come together and celebrate a culinary superstar! The community is preparing to honor the life and legacy of Nathalie Dupree, who graced our kitchens and TV screens as a legendary chef, on March 29, 2025, at 11 a.m. This heartfelt gathering will take place in the Camden Room at the Charleston Visitor Center, located at 375 Meeting Street. It promises to be a beautiful tribute to a woman who not only stirred pots but also stirred hearts.

Remembering a Culinary Trailblazer

Nathalie Dupree passed away on January 13, 2025, at the age of 85, leaving behind a legacy that is hard to match. Well-known for her infectious personality and unmatched passion for cooking, Dupree has inspired many, both in the kitchen and beyond. Friends and fellow chefs will come together to share personal stories about her incredible journey in the culinary world. It’s going to be a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the vibrant life she led.

A Tribute Fit for a Queen

This gathering isn’t just any ordinary event; it is an assemblage of notable speakers, colleagues, and friends who will celebrate her contributions. Expect to hear from writers, cooks, and acquaintances who knew her well, including people like Marion Sullivan, Mary Alice Monroe, and many more. They will share light-hearted anecdotes and meaningful memories, reminding us all of why Dupree was affectionately dubbed the “queen of Southern cooking.”

Culinary Achievements and Honors

Throughout her illustrious career, Nathalie Dupree collected four James Beard Awards and penned an impressive collection of 15 cookbooks. Her influence extended beyond the pages of her books; she made her mark on television, appearing on over 300 shows across platforms like PBS, the Food Network, and TLC. Dupree didn’t just teach people to cook; she spread a love for Southern cuisine far and wide.

More Than Just Cooking

The legacy of Nathalie Dupree isn’t limited to her recipes or television appearances. Born in 1939 in Hamilton, New Jersey, she became politically active at a young age, even leading efforts for JFK’s presidential campaign. Later in life, she fearlessly launched a write-in campaign for U.S. Senator in South Carolina, showing that she was just as passionate about politics as she was about her cooking.

Education and Mentorship

In the late 1970s, she made a significant impact by directing the South’s first participation cooking school at Rich’s department store in Atlanta, where she taught over 10,000 students. She didn’t stop there; Dupree co-founded the International Association of Culinary Professionals alongside culinary giants like Julia Child and Jacques Pepin. It is remarkable how she devoted her life to mentoring young chefs, particularly women, encouraging them to pursue their passion for cooking.

Legacy Lives On

As the founding chair of the Charleston Wine + Food Festival and a dedicated board member of the Southern Foodways Alliance, she continuously sought to elevate Southern cuisine. Her creation of several chapters of Les Dames d’Escoffier helped empower women chefs in the culinary community.

Even in her later years, Nathalie Dupree never ceased to inspire and share her love for cooking with those around her. The dinner gatherings at her home in Charleston were celebrated for their inviting atmosphere, where friends gathered for hearty discussions about food, politics, and literature.

Join Us in Celebrating a Wonderful Life

The memorial gathering is not just a reflection of her legacy in the culinary world; it’s also a celebration of a life dedicated to friendship, mentorship, and good food. Let’s come together in Charleston to honor this remarkable woman who has left an indelible mark on our hearts and our plates. Everyone is invited to join in sharing love, laughter, and heartfelt memories on this special day dedicated to Nathalie Dupree.

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HERE Resources

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Additional Resources

• Charleston City Paper
• Wikipedia: Nathalie Dupree
• Garden & Gun
• Google Search: Nathalie Dupree
• The New Yorker
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Nathalie Dupree
• Post and Courier
• Google News: Nathalie Dupree
• Count On 2
• Food & Wine