Famed chef Andrew Zimmern praises food scene in Raleigh and Durham: 'Ridiculously underrated'

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- If the growth of the Triangle's culinary scene feels more noticeable lately, that perception is being echoed well beyond North Carolina.

Celebrity chef Andrew Zimmern recently singled out the Triangle when asked to name the East Coast's most underrated food city, offering strong praise after a visit last year.

"I spent a weekend in Raleigh-Durham this last year, and when you have as much great food as is going on in Raleigh-Durham. North Carolina, I'm going to say Raleigh-Durham is the most underrated -- they punch above their weight -- and ridiculously underrated," Zimmern said in a video posted on his social media channels.

The endorsement was welcomed by Greg Hatem, founder of the Empire Eats restaurant group.

ALSO SEE | Family remembers life of Angus Barn founder Florence Winston: 'She didn't know a stranger'

"The motto of North Carolina is 'Esse Quam Videri,' which means 'To be rather than to seem,' which is authenticity. It's this extension of chefs and restaurateurs wanting to do something that's real and real to them. And it's finally being noticed," Hatem said.

Empire Eats owns several well-known downtown restaurants, including Gravy, Sitti, and Raleigh Times. The Pit Authentic Barbecue, another restaurant owned by Hatem, was cited by the Michelin Guide. Each concept offers a different experience, reflecting the region.

"The wonderful thing about Raleigh is the diversity. So many people have come to Raleigh because of the universities (and) the Research Triangle, and we've assimilated that, so anything is fair game. Anyone who wants to start a restaurant from some other part of the world or some fusion restaurant, the people in Raleigh welcome it," said Hatem.

Hatem said he believes the environment encourages both experimentation and open-minded diners.

"We've got people who are willing to try new things, and we've got restaurateurs and chefs who want to try them here," he said.

"Here, chefs can take a little bit more of a risk so they can follow their passions," added Lesley Stracks-Mullem, owner of Taste Carolina Gourmet Food Tours.

Stracks-Mullem started the business in 2009 and said she began seeing a turn in 2014 with the number of out-of-town guests who signed up.

That spirit is also evident to those who guide visitors through the local food scene.

"You can find hidden gems everywhere, and you know that it's all going to be delicious," Stracks-Mullem said.

She added that close relationships within the food community have strengthened the scene.

"It's a very friendly place to open a restaurant. The chefs are all very collaborative with each other. They've worked together at restaurants, whether it's Ashley Christensen's restaurants, Greg Hatem's restaurants, even going back to the famed Magnolia Grill in Durham. It's not so much a competition when one restaurant opens, another one worries that they'll close. It's showing off the area holistically as a dining destination. They also support not only each other, but they support local farms, so everything is so fresh and tasty and inventive and interesting," said Stracks-Mullem.

While national recognition is gaining momentum, Hatem said he believes the best is yet to come.

"It took so many people so long to make this happen, and we're not finished. We've got a ways to go. I'm excited about the future," he said.