Five fast questions with departing RockSalt chef Jay Pierce

Chef Jay Pierce arrived on the Charlotte restaurant scene earlier this year with quite a bit of fanfare. He’d been the chef at Greensboro’s Lucky 32 where he’d become well known for his modern takes on Southern classics. And he came with the much-anticipated RockSalt—the chic upscale seafood restaurant that’s been a hit since its February opening.

Sunday is Chef Pierce’s last day. (Chef John Critchley will be taking over at RockSalt.)

Pierce is headed back to Greensboro to man the kitchen at gastropub Marshall Free House. From chef panels to potlucks, Pierce has been a fast-rising star in the Charlotte culinary scene. And even after less than a year in town, he has a unique perspective on what we’re doing right and wrong.

So, I caught up with the busy chef for a five fast questions on his way out:

Photo by Charlotte Observer

Sarah Crosland is author of “Food Lovers’ Guide to Charlotte” and “100 Things to Do In Charlotte Before You Die.”

This story was originally published September 17, 2015 at 11:00 PM with the headline "Five fast questions with departing RockSalt chef Jay Pierce."