An Aiken chef is in the running for the title of Favorite Chef.
Jeffrey Hairston, executive chef at Rose Hill Estates, has reached the quarterfinals in the online competition, which drew entries from around the world. Voting closes on the quarterfinal round at 9 p.m. Thursday, March 25.
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“One of the reasons I did this was to bring awareness specifically to Aiken and Rose Hill,” said Hairston, who has been in Aiken since August 2020. He beat out 150 chefs to advance to the quarterfinals.
Hairston has hit the ground running since arriving in Aiken.
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Only a few months after he moved to the area from Ohio, the 20-year food veteran opened two unique restaurants at the newly-purchased property. Located in the former horse stables, The Stables Restaurant showcases Hairston’s modern twist on southern cuisine. Sheffield’s, the second restaurant, is located in the main house and features fine dining.
The Stables Restaurant features a variety of events tied in with food. An oyster roast is scheduled for Saturday, March 27.
“I’ve learned that in the south, there are oyster roasts during months that end with the letter ‘r,’” he said.
At the most recent oyster roast, Hairston prepared close to 1,000 of the mollusks. An oyster roast will be scheduled for April, and then true to form, no more roasts will be on the calendar until the fall.
Thursday nights are event nights at The Stables, often combining local music and entertainment. On March 25, five performers are scheduled from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. for The Listening Room at The Stables event.
Hairston has an extensive culinary background. He grew up watching chefs on PBS. Emeril and “The Frugal Gourmet” inspired his love of cooking. From a young age, he’d create his own shopping lists and prepare meals from what he’d seen on TV.
He never went to culinary school but learned while on the job. He’s worked for high-end restaurants, hotels and corporate restaurants. He has an extensive background in banquets and events.
All of his training was put to the test in October when there were multiple weddings on the property, a special event in the beer garden and regular dining customers.
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“I got good at juggling,” said Hairston.
Hairston hopes to advance to the next round of Favorite Chef. The winner of the competition receives $50,000 and a two-page ad in Bon Appetit magazine.
The event raises funds and awareness for Feeding America.
While people get one free vote daily, they can make donations to Feeding America to buy additional votes.
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Hairston said many people are aware of hunger in other parts of the world, but it’s a huge problem in America. He’s happy for the opportunity to shed light on that issue.
If he wins, Hairston said he’d use the money to buy a home for his family. His family is scheduled to move to the area on May 1.
To learn more about Favorite Chef and to vote for Hairston, go to https://favchef.com/2021/jeffrey-hairston.
Charmain Z. Brackett is the Features Editor for The Augusta Press. Reach her at charmain@theaugustapress.com
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