Bill Neal lived in a time before celebrity chefs, but the North Carolina native that took an updated approach to Southern cooking in the 1970’s and 80’s had the chops and personality that likely would have made him a household name. The chef and owner behind La Residence, and later Crook's Corner, Neal is remembered for his handmade approach to restaurant cooking, and of course, for helping to usher shrimp and grits into the Southern food spotlight. Watch the above video from Southern Foodways Alliance for a look into Neal's life and legacy.
The Southern Foodways Alliance "documents, studies, and explores the diverse food cultures of the changing American South." As part of a new partnership, Eater will be sharing a number of SFA videos that highlight the history and future of Southern cuisine. Stay tuned for more, or click below to read more about SFA's mission and work.
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