The Junior League of Raleigh will host the Inaugural Ball at the Raleigh Convention Center on Fri., January 11. This event, which celebrates the Governor and Council of State, helps the Junior League continue its tradition of service to the community by raising funds for the organization's projects and programs. A selection of N.C.'s best chefs from the mountains to the coast will gather at the event to display their culinary masterpieces.

Greater Raleigh will be represented at the Inaugural Ball. Local favorites Jason Smith, chef proprietor at 18 Seaboard, Darrell Brown, executive chef at The Pit, Sean Fowler, executive chef at Mandolin, and Daniel Schurr, executive chef at Second Empire, will represent Raleigh and serve a few of the restaurants’ specialties. Lionel Vatinet, master baker and owner of La Farm Bakery, will be at the Ball representing Cary.

The menu consists of a delicious variety including locally sourced foods. Jason Smith, chef-proprietor of 18 Seaboard will serve Carolina classics, which include catfish with sweet potato grit cakes and pickled green tomato relish. A native of Tarboro, executive chef Darrell Brown from The Pit will serve pulled pork with smoked onion and tomato jam on focaccia flat bread. One of the newer additions to Raleigh's restaurant scene is Mandolin. Sean Fowler from Mandolin will serve Ashley Farm's chicken chicharone "nachos" with pimento cheese, black-eyed peas and crème fraiche. Second Empire, a Raleigh favorite for more than 15 years, will be represented by Chef Daniel Schurr who will be preparing pan-roasted New Bedford sea scallops. Lastly, La Farm Bakery, an authentic French bakery in the heart of Cary will be represented. Lionel will serve a selection of artisan breads at the Inaugural Ball.

The Inaugural Ball is open to the public and tickets can be purchased through the Junior League's website. The Avett Brothers and other N.C. musicians will be performing at the Inaugural Ball events. You don't want to miss out!

Watch this video below for more information about the event!

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ncklFphwPY&feature=player_embedded]

Written by local Foodie, Kristen. Follow her foodie adventures on Twitter!