Chef known for culinary creativity joins Drift on Lake Wylie

Belmont’s new lakeside chophouse, Drift on Lake Wylie, has hired a new executive chef with a familiar name to Charlotteans: Ken Aponte.

Aponte was born in Puerto Rico and grew up in East Charlotte. He was featured in CharlotteFive’s series The Skillet: How Black Cuisine Became America’s Supper by Emiene Wright for his work with Alchemy, which closed its doors recently.

[RELATED: Charlotte chef Ken Aponte drops the science behind the perfect ‘simple’ tostones]

Aponte started his chef career at age 18 at the former Zebra, a popular SouthPark American/French restaurant. He spent time studying cuisine at Cuba, Puerto Rico and Spain. He also worked at Chicago’s world-famous fine dining restaurant Alinea and then Terzo Piano at the Art Institute of Chicago.

After he returned to Charlotte, he served as executive chef of Napa on Providence. Drift on Lake Wylie opened earlier this year and serves fresh fish, seafood, steaks and pasta. The waterfront restaurant also features craft beers and a 500-bottle wine selection.

Drift on Lake Wylie

Location: 315 Lanyard Ln m, Belmont, NC 28012 (opens May 9)

Neighborhood: Belmont, NC

Menu

Cuisine: American, steakhouse

Instagram: @driftlkw

This story was originally published August 2, 2022 at 1:00 PM.

Melissa Oyler

The Charlotte Observer

Melissa Oyler is the editor of CharlotteFive. When she’s not writing or editing, you’ll find her running, practicing hot yoga, weightlifting or snuggling with her rescue dogs, X and Charlie. Find her on Instagram or X: @melissaoyler. Support my work with a digital subscription