Chef Dean Neff of PinPoint Restaurant is one of several area chefs helping to spread the word about a new food-based collaborative known as 40 Eats.
 
Neff credits William Mellon of manna with the idea of bringing together area chefs, restaurant owners, farmers and fishermen to share ideas and promote the local food scene.
 
Creating a network of Wilmington chefs fosters growth for all involved, Neff said. The idea is to network, help each other out and make the local restaurant community stronger.
 
“In the field of cooking you have to always keep your eyes and ears open and be looking for inspiration,” Neff said. “And getting a group of local chefs together to share ideas is helpful for everyone. The best menus you ever come up with are the ones that involve bouncing ideas off others.”
 
Neff said he and Mellon hope to involve chefs and purveyors from across the region to participate in 40 Eats and shine a light on the food scene in southeastern North Carolina. The group is also interested in partnering with local charities and hosting community dinners to raise both money and awareness for various causes.
 
The first event will focus on the goals and mission of 40 Eats and will likely be held later this summer, Neff said.
 
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