Laney Jahkel-Parrish Takes Both Judges and People’s Choice Crowns at Carved 2017

It’s back-to-back for the crew at 300 East restaurant in Charlotte as Pastry Sous Laney Jahkel-Parrish captured both the Judges and People’s Choice awards – and is the Carved 2017 overall champion!

Her creation, an homage to Día de los Muertos, wowed both Carved attendees and this year’s judges panel: NC State Senator Jeff Jackson, local food blogger Jessica Bentley, and 2016 Champion Ashley Boyd.

For her creativity and skill, Laney received a custom-crafted PCG cutting board and wooden spoon created by Jeff Matthews at Old World Molding Company.

This year’s competition also had two at-large categories. The Adults competition was won by the crew at the Community Culinary School of Charlotte (who graciously donated their $100 cash prize back to PCG). It was a Belmont, NC sweep in the Kid’s Category. Lilli Lafionatis took first place honors with her Frankenpumkin – with fellow Belmontian Heath Monroe taking second place with his Harry Potter tribute.

Over 200 people turned up at Lenny Boy Brewing in Charlotte’s South End for our biggest Carved ever!

In addition to the competition, apple press farm demo, and games, this year featured a vendors village, live music from the Jim Garrett Trio – and a full pig pickin’, featuring a heritage hog from PCG Member Chase Reynolds‘ Two Pigs Farm .. smoked under the watchful eyes of the pit master team of PCG Members Marc Jacksina and Ben Philpott.

Sides were prepared and served by students of the Culinary School at CPCC.

In all, it was three hours of fun and food and family.