“Matthew Krenz and Mike Long have worked tirelessly to make The Asbury the top dining destination in Uptown Charlotte.The Asbury was named one of the top five best restaurants in the city by Charlotte Magazine in 2018, and that article nodded to Chef Mike Long’s contributions. We have complete faith that our kitchen will continue to receive the same accolades and recognition under the leadership of Mike Long as we have under Chef Krenz. We are grateful for the leadership of both of these outstanding culinarians—and friends.”
–Dave Love, acting general manager of The Asbury and The Dunhill Hotel
Dave Love, acting general manager of The Asbury and The Dunhill Hotel, announced that Chef Mike Long will become Executive Chef and Culinary Director at The Asbury and The Dunhill Hotel, effective Nov. 10, 2018. The Asbury is one of the city’s top-rated lunch and dinner destinations, located on Tryon Street in Uptown Charlotte.
Executive Chef Mike Long will be responsible for The Asbury and the full-service dining and banquet services at The Dunhill Hotel. All rely on sustainable sourcing and will continue that practice.
Long replaces Chef Matthew Krenz. Long says he’s grateful for the influence of Chef Krenz. “Matt focused on the use of whole animal—and local, seasonal ingredients. It’s the way food should be,” says Long.
“Southern food speaks to me with its ingredients. We’re going to be focusing on the beautiful ingredients and letting them sing,” says Long as he looks forward. “That’s what my food is about. I don’t want to put anything in the way of celebrating these ingredients.”
Matthew Krenz is known for his dual role as chef and rancher. His family’s boutique beef ranch supplied beef to the restaurant. Chef Long will continue to serve Krenz Ranch beef at the restaurant.
Under Krenz’s leadership—and with Long serving as Chef de Cuisine—the restaurant and its “Modern + Southern” food was featured by USA Today, Food + Wine, and Vogue.
Krenz plans to stay home with his new daughter and celebrate parenthood. In 2017, Krenz was named North Carolina Chef of the Year by the North Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association.
The Mike Long Timeline
Long grew up in Frederick, Maryland. His grandfather ran a dairy farm now managed by his uncle. As a child, days at the dairy gave Long an appreciation for farming and the land. In high school, he began washing dishes. When a cook didn’t show up one day, he stepped to the stove. Johnson & Wales lured him to Charlotte. He graduated with an Associate Degree in Culinary Arts in 2009. He did short stints at Las Ramblas (now closed) and The Lodge: A Sportsman’s Grill. He distinguished himself at Bonterra Dining & Wine Room where he began as a line cook and worked his way up over six years to sous chef with well-known Charlotte Chef Blake Hartwick. Long joined The Asbury in 2016 as Chef de Cuisine.
Diners have been enjoying specials created by Long since he began at The Asbury. Many will recognize him from involvement with the Collaborative Series Dinners where The Asbury invites guest chefs and makers to cook with their teams and share with guests about each course. Most importantly, Long led the development and roll out of the successful new fall menu while Krenz was away on paternity leave.
Miranda Brown will continue as pastry chef at The Asbury. She is currently the NCRLA Pastry Chef of the Year. Long will hire a new Chef de Cuisine.
Below: Fall Menu 2018 dishes on the menu under the direction of Chef Mike Long. Left: Rice Grits + Fall Vegetables with roasted mushroom, miso + corn broth, whipped ricotta, Asian greens. Right: Krenz Beef Blackboard with chili-roasted sweet potatoes, grilled shishito peppers, black garlic demi.
About The Asbury at The Dunhill Hotel:
The Asbury restaurant at The Dunhill Hotel is named in honor of Louis Asbury, Sr., the Charlotte architect who, in 1929, designed the Mayfair Manor (now The Dunhill Hotel). Placed adjacent to the hotel’s lobby, the hotel rebranded its restaurant in January 2014 to bear Asbury’s name and serve modern + Southern cuisine that honors the past, celebrates the seasons, and looks forward.
Located at 235 North Tryon Street in Uptown Charlotte, The Asbury is open seven days a week; 11 AM to 10 PM, Monday through Friday and 9 AM to 10 PM, Saturday + Sunday. Brunch is served on Saturdays + Sundays. Bar service at The Dunhill Hotel is available during restaurant hours.Visit www.TheAsbury.com or our media resources at www.DunhillHotel.com/Press-Room.
Press Release
