The Counter & Kitchen Bar @ Chef and the Farmer

Restaurant · Kinston

The Counter & Kitchen Bar @ Chef and the Farmer

Restaurant · Kinston

120 W Gordon St, Kinston, NC 28501

Highlights

Creative, locavore New American fare in an upscale, urban-rustic spot featured on a PBS series.

120 W Gordon St, Kinston, NC 28501 Get directions

vivianhoward.com

@chefandthefarmer

$$$ · Menu

@eater

"Vivian Howard's restaurant Chef & the Farmer is reopening with a new intimate dinner party concept. It will serve a seven-course tasting menu to 16 customers per seating on select weekends. The restaurant has undergone physical changes to make dining more personal and interactive, with a table at the kitchen pass and the removal of a glass window into the kitchen. Howard will cook and interact with guests during the dinners, and some dinners will feature guest chefs Casey Atwater and John May. The restaurant will eventually reopen with a more casual menu and style of service, and there are plans to add guest rooms for overnight stays." - Matt Lardie

Vivian Howard’s Chef & the Farmer Is Back This November - Eater Carolinas

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@eater

"Chef and the Farmer in Kinston, North Carolina, was temporarily closed in June 2022 after 16 years in business. Fans and industry folks were left with a huge void, wondering when the PBS star would reopen her acclaimed restaurant. When Howard decides to reopen the restaurant, the hope is to open from Thursday to Sunday and rely on Viv’s Fridge to continue feeding people chef-driven cuisine without being in seats — and give staff a better quality of life." - Jenn Rice

Famed Chef Vivian Howard Brings a Vending Fridge to Raleigh - Eater Carolinas

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@eater

"Howard’s acclaimed restaurant Chef & the Farmer will remain, but will not reopen this summer. The chef told the News & Observer that because her establishments are destination spots, the current pandemic has decimated the customer base and takeout wasn’t a viable option." - Erin Perkins

Celebrity Chef Vivian Howard Shuts Down Her Kinston Oyster Bar Boiler Room - Eater Carolinas

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@eater

"Howard also owns and operates three North Carolina restaurants with her husband Ben: Chef and the Farmer and The Boiler Room in Kinston, and Benny’s Big Time Pizzeria in Wilmington." - Erin Perkins

Chef Vivian Howard Premieres New PBS Show Focusing on the South - Eater Carolinas

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@eater

"Chef & the Farmer is a progressive eatery in Kinston opened by Vivian Howard and her husband in 2006. The restaurant is known for its menu that highlights Eastern Carolina ingredients and creative culinary techniques." - Katie Toussaint

Guide to Raleigh’s Thrive NC Food Festival - Eater Carolinas

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Dennis Graham

Google

Wow, I always stop by when passing through Kinston. Today, my wife and I weren't extremely hungry, but we are loyal. We shared a burger and a veg plate. We couldn't have been happier. The burger was moist with an excellent cook. The onion jam and bacon perfectly complimented the beef. That said, the veg plate was amazing: cilantro street corn and the zucchini tomatoes made us SO HAPPY! And, we wish we'd had the watermelon and jalapenos sooner. You must stop by, you will not be disappointed.

MinisterUnique

Google

Everything was good. And everything on their menu is reasonably priced. And everything they serve has a very unique combination of flavors. And Fendy, our waitress, was great. We ordered the salmon bowl, the blueberry black beans and chicken enchiladas, the fried collards, the broccoli and cheese, the mac and cheese, the roasted roots, the Brussels sprouts, the hush puppies, and the lemon blueberry cake.

regina belcher

Google

Worth. Every. Cent. If you like southern cooking or fine dining or the tv show “A Chef’s Life,” then do not hesitate to reserve a spot at Chef & the Farmer’s Kitchen Counter experience. This intimate setting allows you to leisurely enjoy time with Chef Vivian Howard and her phenomenal staff while tasting complex, bright, and unique dishes that have been extremely well-thought out and expertly executed. You will not leave hungry from Chef Vivian’s table, and every bite is paired with a wonderful wine that brings faraway places in France or California right along side on the bar counter space. The opening dish of the night was the first-of-the-season asparagus salad with hazelnuts and mint. It set the tone for the entire meal and opened my eyes to the power of that spring herb. The loin of lamb was phenomenal, and all the other plates were just as fabulous. We even got soft-shell crab!!! Thank you, Chef Vivian and all, for a wonderful experience and for taking the time to make it so special!!

Mary McCluskey

Google

My husband and I used to watch Vivian Howards show and I am working in New Bern and decided to go to the new place......The dining is pretty casual. The server staff was very friendly. The food was very good! I loved the flash fried collards! The mac and cheese was nice and creamy. The hushpuppies with their topping were very tasty. The salad was good and an interesting combination with the whipped goat butter (first time I have had that), and the pickled onions (loved those)..... Overall, it was was worth the 35 mile drive! Thanks y'all! May come for the later sitting my next trip to New Bern.....

Susan Semonite

Google

As a long time, Vivian, Howard, fan I I was really excited to visit The Counter and Kitchen Bar in Kingston for lunch today. Never to disappoint the Butterbean Burger continues to be top-notch! My lunch partner had the Smashburger and watermelon salad, both looked delicious. As far as sides, you order those separately so no additional items were served with either burger in regards to chips or fries, etc. Service was excellent atmosphere casual with plenty of room and seating options. Order at the counter, food delivered to our table.

Sarah C

Google

The Kitchen Bar experience is the best food experience of my life. I got to be so close to a chef I admire #girlboss #slay, while she told stories about the people and the ingredients, and I watched her expertly cook and plate the dishes so there was some learning too. I also got lucky and sat next to a food writer and got to gab about food all night. Each dish on the March 21 menu tasted delicious and each with a unique flavor profile. The mushroom toast and run ups dishes were the stars. ✨ Wine pairing 👍🏼 👍🏼

Chad Crom

Google

Where do I start? The dining experience that the staff has been able to achieve here is above and beyond anything that you could experience anywhere. This was the 3rd time my wife and I have had the privilege of dining with Vivian and The Crew. And it was just as great as the first time we went. Actually, it was better, because we were able to introduce my parents to the event. And they can appreciate the great service just as much as we do. So a really big shout out to The Kitchen Bar ! We will be back for more. P.S. we already have reservations for March 😀

Karen Ama Chachu

Google

We had such a great time at dinner! It was a 7 course meal with generous portion sizes (I recommend only a light lunch prior). The food was impeccable. Seasonal vegetables and fruits (peaches), unique fish (ribbonfish was one course), cantaloupe sorbet!! Vivian Howard is right there in front of you!! She tells you about two courses at a time, the ingredients, a funny story, like the guy who brought the clams from Rhode Island for one of our courses. She's a fantastic chef, and also witty, caring about her employees. The service is excellent. This dinner was everything I hoped it would be and more. Vivian also sticks around afterwards to take photos with guests and sign books.