Hot Sauce Exclusive: Christa Csoka

Christa Csoka, chef- owner of The Artisan’s Palate, is the daughter of a Hungarian refugee who became an Army officer and West Point Professor.

Her love and passion for cooking started with helping her mother host dinners for generals and cadets attended by 50-100 people. She worked in HR and saw the towers fall from her office window on 9/11. A chef’s actual calling, she thought, life was too short to work in a job she doesn’t like. From there, she worked in world-famous culinary hotspots like New York and Chicago.

In 2003, her family moved her back to Charlotte, when North Davidson Street was dotted with art galleries. She envisioned a venue where all of these ideals could coexist harmoniously, and that is how The Artisan’s Palate was born.

Watch her as she shares her views about diversity in all things including food and how diverse chefs of different ethnicities have historically grown in Charlotte, North Carolina. Though the spotlight is long overdue, we’ve seen their foods and techniques co-opted, getting the credit they deserve not just in Charlotte but in all of America.

The Artisan’s Palate is a restaurant and art gallery serving creative cocktails, locally roasted coffee, craft beer, and distinctive wines, located  at 1218 E 36th St A, Charlotte, NC. You can reach them at (980) 209-9168 or info@theartisanpalate.com