Chef Jeffrey Porter has announced the details of his next Port City Pop-Ups event as he continues to work his way back from a stroke he suffered in early August.
 
Porter said he wants to continue to challenge himself professionally, but he has come to the realization that his health is what matters most. Without that, nothing else is possible, he said.
 
In addition to running the kitchen at Dixie Grill and his Port City Pop-Ups events, Porter plans to spend time with patients on the same floor he was treated on at New Hanover Regional Medical Center.
 
“I want patients who are facing some of the same health issues that I am to know that getting back on your feet is possible,” Porter said. “I want them to know that this is not a death sentence if they’re willing to make their health a priority.”
 
Porter said a diagnosis of high-blood pressure and diabetes has forced him to make dietary and lifestyle changes to improve his health.
 
“For the first time ever I’m learning how to listen to my body,” Porter said. “If that means I have to work fewer hours and head to bed at 6:45, then that’s what I’m going to do.”
 
On Nov. 7, Porter will join forces with chef Tom Ryerson of Aubriana’s, chef Sam Cahoon of Ceviche’s and chef David Andersen of Taste the Olive for an evening celebrating international street food and oysters.
 
Part street fair, part oyster roast, the event will involve four chefs setting up stations that showcase takes on their favorite international street foods at Farmin’s Creative Campus, 4102 Emerson St.
 
The event will also allow patrons to mingle as well as speak with the chefs at each station. New Belgium and New Anthem beers will be served as well as wines from Tryon Distributing. Live music will take place throughout the event, and a portion of the proceeds will benefit the American Heart Association.
 
Full details and tickets are available online at the Port City Pop-Ups website.
 
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