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Close-up of a scallop dish served in Herons at The Umstead Hotel and Spa
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Fine Dining in Cary

Indulge in Fresh Dishes Made with Locally Sourced Ingredients

A passion for locally grown fruits and vegetables and farm-fresh meats and seafood is evident in the exquisite food and beverage offerings throughout The Umstead Hotel and Spa in Cary, North Carolina. Led by four time James Beard Semifinalist and celebrated chef, Steven Greene, these fresh flavors, surprising food combinations and striking presentations are the trademarks of every appetizer, meal or signature cocktail that we offer. Our restaurant proudly uses ingredients locally sourced from over 14 nearby farms, including our very own two-acre culinary plot - One Oak Farm

At The Umstead, a sublime culinary experience isn't limited to within the well-appointed walls of Herons restaurant. Rather, guests can taste spectacular, locally sourced seasonal delights in a cabana by the pool or at a cozy table in The Umstead Bar while savoring Afternoon Tea or simply by ordering room service. 

Close-up of bartender pouring a cocktail on The Bar & Lounge counter at The Umstead Hotel and Spa

The Bar & Lounge

The Bar & Lounge at The Umstead Hotel and Spa is the perfect place to begin or end a memorable evening. Our wine cellar is stocked with an extensive collection representing the world's most renowned regions/ Furthermore, our signature culinary inspired cocktails offer a truly unique taste that incorporates the season's best flavors. With live entertainment in the evenings, you'll find that the fare on our bar menu is impressive and imaginative in the spirit of Herons.

The Bar & Lounge operates under limited availability and is unable to accommodate party sizes larger than 8 in the dining area. Please contact us for further information.”

Chef preparing a meat dish surrounded by various ingredients and utensils at Umstead Hotel and Spa

Culinary Team

Under the direction of Executive Chef Steven Greene, our culinary team masterfully takes food from seed to plate. Working with Culinary Farmer Daniel Holloman to carefully plan the crops at our One Oak Farm, our chefs envision the creative and tasteful menus of seasons ahead. The Culinary Team takes each harvest and crafts plates that emphasize the nuances of each season with meticulous preparation and presentation. Their imaginations and our native soil create progressive American regional cuisine in an intricate and artful form.

Close-up of crops grown in the garden at The Umstead Hotel and Spa

Culinary Farm

The Umstead is pleased to offer homegrown vegetables and herbs from our nearby dedicated farm.

2024-10-14

An Auction for Western Carolina

Our Silent Auction for Western North Carolina is now live!

Benefiting the Southern Smoke Foundation and World Central Kitchen, this extraordinary event, which sold out in a matter of hours, will bring together some of North Carolina’s finest chefs, uniting to raise money for the Western part of North Carolina which was severely impacted by Hurricane Helene. The Umstead’s Executive Chef, Steven Greene, will be joined by Chef Scott Crawford, Chef Ashley Christensen, Chef Ricky Moore, Chef Jacob Boehm, and Chef Vivian Howard for a wonderful evening of food and fundraising.


We invite you to have a look at our curated collection of items including exclusive dining experiences, artwork, and luxury getaways.  More items are being added daily.  All funds raised in the auction go directly to these two wonderful nonprofits aiding our Western NC neighbors. Bidding closes October 17th at 9 PM. Please Click On ‘Auction’ at the top of the page to view the items open for bid.

Start Your Bidding Here.

2024-10-17

*SOLD OUT* An Evening for Western Carolina

A Special Dinner to Support Rebuilding Efforts

On Thursday, October 17th at 6PM, join celebrated chefs and community leaders for a special fundraising event aimed at supporting the rebuilding efforts in Western North Carolina after the devastation of Hurricane Helene. This evening will showcase a stellar collaboration between renowned culinary talents, purveyors, and philanthropists in an effort to make a lasting difference in the lives of those impacted by recent natural disasters in the region.

Benefiting the Southern Smoke Foundation and World Central Kitchen, this extraordinary event will bring together some of North Carolina’s finest chefs and luminaries, including Chefs Steven Greene from Herons, Chef Scott Crawford of Crawford & Son, Chef Ashley Christensen of Pooles Diner, Chef Vivian Howard of The Chef & The Farmer, Chef Ricky Moore of Saltbox Seafood Joint, and Chef/Owner Jacob Boehm of Snap Pea. Together they will prepare an elegant five-course dinner a each course will be paired with an exceptional wine.

2024-10-20

Here Not There: An Evening of Travel Insights, Culinary Delights, and North Carolina Treasures

Join us for an engaging evening of conversation as author and travel expert Andrew Nelson teams up with Visit North Carolina Marketing Director Scott Peacock to share ideas for discovering outstanding locales around the globe. Andrew is a two-time winner of the prestigious Lowell Thomas Award for Travel Writing and his latest book, Here Not There, has just been published this year by National Geographic. He explores what he calls “counterintuitive travel destinations.” Drawing from this work, Andrew will highlight his favorite off-the-beaten-path recommendations, including some hidden gems right here in North Carolina.


 

2024-10-23

Umstead Uncorked Wine Tasting

Explore Bordeaux

Join us for October’s edition of Uncorked, a guided wine tasting experience led by our Umstead's Wine Director, Hannah Barton. This month, we'll dive into the world of Bordeaux, exploring the rich history and diverse flavors of one of the world's most iconic wine regions. Whether you're a wine enthusiast or a curious beginner, this exclusive tasting will expand your appreciation for Bordeaux's exquisite blends.

Join us on Wednesday, October 23rd at 6pm to deepen your understanding of this incredible wine region.

2024-10-24

Standing in: works by Peter Roux

An Artist's Reception

Peter Roux will be joining us for an Artist Reception on October 24th from 6-8 PM for casual conversation about his work and the state of Asheville’s artist community following Hurricane Helene. His 2nd exhibition is currently featured in our Art Gallery, running through December 31, 2024. 

Using nature as his subject, he explores not only natural forms, but also how we experience the world around us— which is even more imperative during this time.

Recently, Peter has focused on land, clouds, water and trees, often combining representational approaches alongside elements of abstraction:areas of marks and flourishes that remind the viewer that the pieces are not the things they represent, but instead the result of the experience of seeing them.

2024-10-24

Umstead Uncorked Wine Tasting

Explore Bordeaux

Join us for October’s edition of Uncorked, a guided wine tasting experience led by our the Umstead's Wine Director, Hannah Barton. This month, we'll dive into the world of Bordeaux, exploring the rich history and diverse flavors of one of the world's most iconic wine regions. Whether you're a wine enthusiast or a curious beginner, this exclusive tasting will expand your appreciation for Bordeaux's exquisite blends

Join us on Thursday, October 24rd at 6pm to deepen your understanding of this often overlooked, yet fantastic, wine region

2024-10-29

Umstead Unbottled Masterclass

Join us for an Old World vs. New World wine masterclass, where we’ll compare classic grape varieties from Europe to their bold counterparts in the New World. Taste how tradition, climate, and winemaking techniques shape the flavors and styles of your favorite wines!

2024-11-01

Stonestreet Wine Dinner

Join us on November 1st for an unforgettable wine dinner with the renowned Stonestreet Estate Vineyards. Founded by Jess Stonestreet Jackson and Barbara Banke, and now led by their son Christopher Jackson, Stonestreet is celebrated for its expansive mountain vineyards and world-class single vineyard wines out of Alexander Valley, California.

2024-11-20

Umstead Unbottled Masterclass

Discover the bold and diverse expressions of Cabernet Sauvignon from top wine regions across the globe in this masterclass. Experience how terroir shapes this iconic varietal in every glass, and understand why this is the most widely planted grape variety in the world!

2024-12-18

Umstead Unbottled Masterclass

Elevate your wine knowledge with our sparkling wine masterclass, where we explore the world’s finest bubbles. From Champagne to Prosecco and beyond, you'll uncover the techniques and flavors that make each sparkling wine unique and perfect for every celebration!

2024-11-30

Tea with Santa - *FULLY BOOKED*

Join us this winter for our annual Tea with Santa series. Let your children ages 10 and under delight in this magical event as they enjoy a special visit with Santa and let him know what is on their wish list this holiday season.  Santa will share photos of his favorite memories as he tells stories of his helpful elves and reindeer.  Tea with Santa includes photography, a small gift, and hot chocolate service with savory and sweet morsels.