Chef and restaurateur Catherine Rabb. Photo: courtesy Peter Taylor
Charlotte lost a talented and humble chef, restauranteur, teacher and sommelier this week. Catherine Rabb of the beloved Myers Park restaurant Fenwick’s died Dec. 8 after a year-long battle with cancer.
- I first read the news in a post from food writer Heidi Billotto, a close friend of Rabb’s. It’s worth a read.
A restaurant like Fenwick’s is a rarity in Charlotte nowadays. For 37 years, little changed — the staff still handwrites guest checks, the menu remains simple and delicious.
Catherine is already missed by many. Notes of remembrance and support for her husband, Don, and their family flooded social media on Thursday.
- “Awful. Wonderful woman. She was really talented. Our prayers and condolences to her family.” – Frank Scibelli, owner of FS Food Group (Midwood Smokehouse, Mama Ricotta’s, etc.)
- “Anyone who raises a glass in Charlotte owed her a lot.” — Tom Petaccia, local food writer
- “RIP Chef Rabb. What a legend.” — Chris Coleman, chef and partner of Goodyear House
- “I’m broken hearted. Catherine was a wonderful woman and supported my efforts with Piedmont Culinary Guild from day one. Anytime I asked for her help she was always eager. I am forever grateful that I knew her powerful spirit and friendly smile.” — Kris Reid, local food advocate and executive director of Piedmont Culinary Guild
💭 My thought bubble: I spoke to Catherine a number of times at the peak of the pandemic. Despite the challenging circumstances, she always seemed to look toward the future with optimism. Our chats filled me, and I’m sure others, with joy at a time when joy was hard to find.
Main photo by Peter Taylor of Peter Taylor Photography.
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